This funding, derived from tourism revenues, will be used to implement various initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of local communities.
The allocation is part of a broader tourism revenue sharing program, aimed at encouraging communities to actively participate in conservation efforts.
The announcement was made on December 22, 2025, in Nyamasheke District, during the selection process for projects that will receive support under this initiative in the 2025/2026 fiscal year.
The program, which began in 2005, aims to ensure that local communities benefit from the economic gains brought by tourism, thereby fostering a sense of responsibility for the protection of the park.
Initially, 5% of the tourism revenue was shared with surrounding communities, but since 2017, this share has been increased to 10%.
Alfred Habimana, the Vice Mayor of Rusizi District in charge of economic development, stated, 'In Rusizi, several cooperatives have received support, both in agriculture and livestock. Last year, 32 households living in substandard housing were provided with new homes.'
Habimana further explained that this year, the allocated funds would be used to enhance the Rasano Health Center, upgrading it to the level of a health post. This upgrade will ease access for residents who previously had to travel 30 kilometers to the Bweyeye Health Center or 40 kilometers to the Nyabitimbo Health Center for medical services.
Julienne Ntakirutimana, the Vice Mayor of Karongi District in charge of economic development, announced that Rwf 107 million would be allocated to provide 100 pigs to residents of Mutuntu Sector.
Ntakirutimana added, 'The remaining funds will be used to construct three new classrooms in Twumba Sector, where students previously had to walk up to four kilometers to attend school.'
Telesphore Ngoga, an official from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), highlighted that the allocated funds should be used for projects that will generate income for local residents.
He emphasized that a 2022 study revealed that 76% of the revenue from the tourism-sharing program was used for infrastructure development, a trend that should continue to be prioritized.
He further noted that 24% of the funds would be directed towards infrastructure improvements, while the remaining 76% should be focused on income-generating initiatives.
Over the past 25 years, the tourism revenue-sharing program has distributed a total of Rwf 18 billion to communities living near the parks, contributing significantly to the economic development of these areas.
IGIHE
