She will be laid to rest on November 24, at Rusororo Cemetery after a funeral mass at Centre Christus in Kigali.
Born in Burundi in 1978, Carmen's life was deeply rooted in her love for her homeland and its natural beauty. Her early years were filled with exploration, as her father often took her to various provinces in Burundi, showcasing the country's rich landscapes and biodiversity.
These formative experiences ignited a lifelong passion for tourism and laid the foundation for her illustrious career.
After completing secondary school in Burundi, Carmen moved to England, where she spent a decade pursuing her education and building the foundation of her career. She earned a bachelor's degree in International Travel Management, followed by a master's in Tourism Destination Management, and ultimately a PhD focusing on tourism policy and park management.
Her parents' encouragement to follow her passion was instrumental, as tourism was not traditionally seen as a promising career path in her community. Carmen's academic pursuits were complemented by hands-on experience through a vocational training program in England.
Her first role in hospitality, as a housekeeper in a five-star hotel, was the beginning of a journey that would see her rise to leadership positions in the industry.
Carmen's career was marked by its diversity and global reach. Over the years, she lived and worked in Switzerland, the United States, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and other countries, amassing a wealth of knowledge and experience.
She managed tour operation companies across East Africa and oversaw an international hotel in Tanzania, always focusing on elevating the region's tourism standards. Her ability to navigate different cultural and professional environments set her apart as a leader who could bridge local traditions with global best practices.
In 2014, Carmen returned to Burundi to take on the role of Director General at the National Tourism Board. She saw this as an opportunity to give back to her country and to reform its tourism sector.
During her tenure, she worked to restructure the board, making it more aligned with private-sector needs and advocating for policies that would position Burundi as a competitive destination.
Carmen was a fierce proponent of developing infrastructure, improving connectivity, and enhancing the quality of tourism products to attract international travelers. While acknowledging Burundi's challenges, she remained optimistic about its potential, believing in the power of tourism to drive economic growth and national pride.
Between 2015 and 2017, Carmen served as the regional coordinator for the East Africa Tourism Platform, where she championed the integration of East African countries as a unified tourism destination.
She believed in leveraging the unique strengths of each country while fostering collaboration to attract more visitors to the region. Her work in promoting East Africa's tourism earned her widespread recognition.
In 2017, she was named one of the Top 100 Influential Women in Travel, and a year later, she received the African Women in Tourism Leadership Award. These accolades were a testament to her vision, dedication, and ability to inspire change.
At the time of her passing, Carmen was the Lead for Tourism and Hospitality Management within the Mastercard Foundation's Rwanda Programs team. In this role, she focused on skills development and capacity building, particularly for young professionals in the industry.
She worked tirelessly to create opportunities for African youth, believing that education and training were critical to unlocking the continent's potential.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Carmen was a passionate advocate for women's empowerment. She served on the Board of Directors for the Akilah Institute for Women in Rwanda, where she championed initiatives to equip young women with skills in tourism, hospitality management, and entrepreneurship.
Carmen believed that women had a vital role to play in the tourism industry, and she worked to break down barriers and stereotypes that often hindered their progress. Her mentorship extended to countless individuals, many of whom credit her with shaping their careers and aspirations.
Carmen's vision for African tourism was deeply rooted in promoting the continent's rich cultural heritage. She emphasized the importance of showcasing Africa's gastronomy, art, history, and traditions as key components of its tourism offering.
She believed that these cultural assets, when properly packaged and marketed, could create unique and memorable travel experiences. Carmen also urged the African diaspora to reconnect with the continent by becoming tourists in their home countries, investing in local businesses, and promoting Africa globally.
As a mother of two teenage boys, Carmen balanced her demanding career with her personal life, serving as an inspiration for many young women navigating similar challenges.
She often spoke about the importance of planning, organization, and building a strong support system. Her ability to juggle family responsibilities and a thriving career was a reflection of her resilience and determination.
Carmen's legacy is one of passion, dedication, and unwavering belief in Africa's potential. She envisioned a future where African professionals lead globally in tourism and hospitality, where African destinations compete on the world stage, and where the continent's cultural and natural wealth is celebrated and preserved.
Carmen Nibigira's life was a testament to the power of education, vision, and perseverance. She leaves behind a lasting impact on the tourism sector, a legacy of empowerment for women and youth, and a profound love for her continent.
While her passing is a great loss, her spirit and work will live on in the hearts of those she touched and the industry she helped transform. Her contributions will continue to inspire and guide future generations. Fare Thee Well!
Sam K Nkurunziza
