Living Between Two Rwandas

As someone who remembers Rwanda of the 1990s and lives in Rwanda of 2025, I carry two pictures in my mind. One is of scarcity, fear, and brokenness. The other is of skyscrapers, conferences, and clean streets. Both are true. Between them lies a story of relentless work and remarkable transformation.

Sometimes the outside world frames Rwanda as either a miracle nation or a contested success story. But the truth is more complex. Rwanda is not flawless, nor is it simply miraculous. It is a work in progress, shaped by unity, discipline, and a constant struggle with reality.

I often pause when walking through Kigali. The clean streets and bustling life are a far cry from the rubble of my childhood memories. As we mark 31 years since the genocide against the Tutsi, I find myself reflecting not only on how far we’ve come, but also on what this journey has meant for me personally as a Rwandan living through it.

From Recovery to Momentum

It is tempting to write Rwanda’s story only as a miracle. Certainly, the numbers inspire : GDP grew by 8.2% in 2022–23 and reached 9.7% in the first half of 2024. Poverty has fallen from nearly 40% in 2017 to 27.4% in 2023/24. Tourism revenues surged to $647 million in 2024, with over 1.36 million visitors.

Health tells a quieter but equally powerful story. In 2000, Rwanda’s maternal mortality ratio was more than 1,100 deaths per 100,000 live births. By 2023, it had dropped to about 229. Life expectancy, once in the mid-40s, now hovers in the mid-60s. Behind every statistic are real lives ; grandmothers, children and families who embody this progress.

Tourism, too, has redefined Rwanda’s image. “Visit Rwanda” now proudly appears on international football jerseys. From gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park to world-class conferences at the Kigali Convention Centre, Rwanda has proven it can compete globally. The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector alone generated $84.8 million in 2024.

Rwanda : A Story of Courage

Rwanda at 31 is not just about numbers, it is about choices. We chose reconciliation over revenge, unity over division, and progress over despair. From the ashes of one of history’s darkest chapters, Rwandans have built a nation that symbolizes resilience worldwide.

Economically, Rwanda has transformed from one of the poorest countries on earth to one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies. Investments in technology, infrastructure, and agriculture have not only boosted GDP but also inspired innovation. Kigali, once a city of ruins, is now one of Africa’s cleanest and safest capitals.

Socially, Rwanda leads in gender equality, with women occupying more than 60% of parliamentary seats. Education and healthcare access have expanded dramatically. Community initiatives like Umuganda, monthly service days continue to remind us that development is a shared responsibility.

Yet Rwanda’s story is not without challenges. Poverty persists, youth unemployment is pressing, and regional instability remains a concern. But the spirit that has carried us this far gives hope that these challenges, too, will be met with determination.

Closing Reflection

When I write about Rwanda at 31, I do so not as a distant observer but as a participant in this journey. I have seen the valleys of despair and the peaks of hope. I have walked through rubble and now walk past skyscrapers.

Yes, Rwanda has risen. The data confirms it, and my lived experience proves it. But rising is not the end of the story. Staying upright, keeping balance, and ensuring no one is left behind that is the challenge ahead.

As I reflect, I carry both pride and caution. Pride in how far we’ve come. Caution that the promise of Rwanda at 31 must be sustained for generations to come.

The case of Rwanda shows us that progress is not measured by how long it takes, but by the clarity of vision and the determination to pursue it. For other nations around the world, Rwanda offers a lesson : with unity and purpose, transformation is possible.

About the Creator
Marc Reflects
"Writer of African reflections, practical life lessons and lived experiences. I explore personal growth, resilience, and entrepreneurship through stories that uplift, challenge, and connect people at the heart level. Let’s grow together.”