Global hospitality and investment heavyweights are exploring opportunities in Kigali’s premium real estate market after President Paul Kagame, on Monday, December 15, held talks with senior executives from international groups specialising in luxury hospitality and property development.
The meeting brought together Mohamed Ali Janah, Group Chairman of Hotels and Resorts Investment Maldives and Chairman of JIH Global Investments, alongside Ghassan Aboud, Chairman of the Ghassan Aboud Group, and Ahmad Aboud, the group’s Chief Financial Officer.
According to the president’s office, the talks explored potential investment and development opportunities in Rwanda, with a strong focus on premium real estate and luxury hospitality.
The engagement comes as Kigali undergoes rapid urbanisation, driven by population growth, rising demand for modern housing and commercial space, and the city’s ambition to position itself as a regional business and conference hub.
Government-led planning frameworks, including the Kigali Master Plan 2050, emphasize compact, mixed-use developments, sustainable construction, and improved urban infrastructure.
Alex Gasana, a Real estate analyst in Kigali, said interest from foreign investors with experience in luxury developments could accelerate Kigali’s transition into a more globally competitive city, particularly in areas such as mixed-use complexes, high-end residential projects, and integrated hospitality developments.
“Large-scale foreign-backed projects often bring not only capital, but also technical expertise, global design standards, and long-term financing structures that are still limited in local markets. If aligned with national planning priorities, such investments can reshape city landscapes.”
Hotels and Resorts Investment Maldives (HARIM) Group is known for delivering high-end hospitality and real estate projects in partnership with internationally recognised luxury brands.
JIH Global Investments, a UAE-based family-owned firm, specialises in luxury hospitality, real estate, and strategic asset management across multiple markets. The Ghassan Aboud Group, meanwhile, operates a diversified international portfolio spanning hospitality, logistics, retail, healthcare, and digital marketplaces.
While no specific projects were announced, the talks signal Rwanda’s continued effort to attract private capital into sectors that support urban growth and economic diversification. Policymakers increasingly view high-end real estate developments as complementary to Rwanda’s investments in infrastructure, transport, and services, particularly in Kigali.
Diane Uwera, the real estate developer, said that premium developments must be balanced with affordability and inclusivity.
“As land values rise and new projects reshape neighbourhoods, ensuring access to adequate housing for middle and low-income residents remains a key challenge for the city.”
The government has previously emphasised that foreign investment in real estate should align with sustainability standards, environmental considerations, and Rwanda’s broader development goals.
Officials say investor engagement at the highest level reflects confidence in the country’s regulatory environment and long-term urban vision.
Kigali continues to expand vertically and outward; interest from global real estate players is expected to grow. Whether the latest discussions translate into concrete developments will depend on follow-up negotiations, feasibility studies, and alignment with Rwanda’s urban planning priorities, setting the stage for the next phase of the capital’s transformation.
