Encouraged by his friend Rodney Boyd, who has visited Rwanda several times, Kirkland traveled to Kigali with limited knowledge of the country beyond the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. What he discovered far surpassed his expectations.
'When I landed in Kigali, I was struck by the bright lights and the warm greetings,' he recalled on the Connected Podcast hosted by the Embassy of Rwanda in Washington, DC.
'From airport staff to locals, everyone said, 'Welcome home, brother.' As a 58-year-old Black American, that sense of belonging was indescribable. I had traveled the world, but I had never truly been home.'
He described Kigali as a clean, vibrant city, with rolling hills that reminded him of San Francisco.
Rwanda's resilience and unity
Kirkland praised Rwanda's recovery in the three decades since the genocide, describing it as a remarkable model of resilience.
'The way the people of this country came out of the genocide in 30 years, healing, rebuilding, and taking pride in their future â€" most countries could not have done that. Rwandans should understand that they are exceptional,' he said.
As a former soldier, he likened the discipline and unity he observed in Rwanda â€" from street sweepers to executives and government officials â€" to values he had seen in the military.
'Rwanda's greatest asset is its people,' he stressed. 'There are skilled workers here who are determined and ready to work hard to improve their lives. I saw it everywhere â€" from those cleaning the streets to those leading major investments at the Rwanda Development Board.'
Inspired by Rwanda's youth and innovation
During his visit, Kirkland engaged with young entrepreneurs at ALX Rwanda, where he heard pitches for innovative projects tackling Africa's challenges. One idea that stood out was a courier service using travelers to deliver goods across the continent, which he described as 'an Airbnb for logistics.'
He emphasized that Rwanda's youth are not only seeking income but also creating jobs and supporting families. At the University of Rwanda and the African Leadership University (ALU), he said he saw evidence that Rwanda is among the continent's leaders in technology and innovation.
'If an American company or any foreign investor is looking to invest here, the technology sector should be the first priority, because there are tremendous opportunities,' he noted.
He also visited a hospital and was impressed by Rwanda's nationwide digital health system linking clinics with larger institutions. 'Other countries should study this model. There is real investment potential here,' he said.
A favorable business climate
Kirkland underscored Rwanda's welcoming environment for investors. After visiting the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), he was convinced of the country's efficiency in facilitating business.
'The RDB allows you to register a company in six hours. That's remarkable. It's easier to start a business here than almost anywhere else,' he explained, citing an American entrepreneur he met who had recently launched a company in Rwanda.
Beyond technology and healthcare, he highlighted opportunities in Rwanda's natural resources, urging U.S. investors to partner with Rwandans to unlock this potential.
A personal transformation
The trip left Kirkland deeply changed. 'When I left Rwanda, I felt fuller than before. This is a place full of opportunity, and more people need to know about it. Rwanda is where you find great food, beautiful landscapes and environment, and wonderful people,' he said.
He admitted regretting that it took him nearly six decades to visit Africa but promised it would not be the same for his children.
'I told my wife after this trip that I regret it took me 58 years to come home. But for my 19-year-old son, it will not be the same. I'm planning to return to Kigali with my wife and children so they too can see what I saw,' he said.
Looking ahead, Kirkland revealed he has already discussed Africa opportunities with his superiors at Amazon. Personally, he is considering relocating or working on the continent after his corporate career.
Asked to complete the sentence 'Rwanda is a place where…', Kirkland replied: 'Rwanda is a place where opportunity thrives, pride in progress shines, and beauty â€" both in its people and landscapes â€" captivates. From warm hospitality to innovative spirit, it's a nation of promise that deserves global attention.'
Rania Umutoni
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/amazon-s-robert-kirkland-finds-home-in-rwanda-sees-vast-investment
