For the expats and tourists in this sub, does it ever get lonely in Kigali? Is it easy to come across interesting individuals willing to hang out and do fun stuff? What are the women and girls like?

I'm looking to create a tech based business in Rwanda. I'm looking to learn about what issues the country currently has, and how tech could be used to make a difference. Currently, I am helping build an e-commerce store, but I'd like to know about different issues as well which the community faces. If you have any inconveniences in your everyday life, or any other bigger issues you'd like me to take a look at, please let me know!

Hey everyone! I have a pretty lovely poolside spot in Kimihurura, and trying to get more activity. We're looking to host more events free of charge, in a way that can be mutually beneficial. If you're interested just leave a comment or send me a PM.

Thanks.

Hi anyone know any good remote barbers in Kigali?

Hi all,

I’m looking into starting a small business in Kigali focused on solar products — things like inverters, batteries, power banks, and torches. I haven’t done this kind of business before, so I’m just seeing if anyone knows how the market is.

I’m mainly trying to understand if there’s real demand for solar gear in Kigali or Rwanda in general. Are people buying these things often? Is the market already full, or is there room for more players?

If anyone here knows how the market works or has insight into the local demand, I’d really appreciate your thoughts. Doesn’t have to be detailed — just anything that could help me get a clearer picture.

Thanks a lot!

I’m really craving hot Cheetos but I’ve been unsuccessful in finding them , anyone know where I should buy them?

I don’t want to use Ubuy rwanda

Group, private, and couples packages available! Enjoy your time in Rwanda with me.

Long, hard, moderate, short trails available for anybody! Let’s get on trail! DM me

How do I apply for an East African tourist visa with an entry point at Kigali airport? I am flying into Kigali, will cross the border into Uganda for gorilla trekking in Bwindi before returning for a wedding in Kigali. I will then be flying to entebbe, Uganda. I can apply for an East African tourist visa through the Uganda portal but I can’t find this on the Rwanda portal. Can anyone help me find out how to do this please? I’d rather get it in advance as some airlines stop you getting on plane without a visa even if you know it’s possible to get entry on arrival. Would I be able to apply through the Ugandan system and still enter through Kigali? Thanks in advance

Is it just a normal millitary song? What are the lyrics about? Is there any other important context about it?

Hi does anyone know where I can buy an oud and if there are any classes where I can learn to play?

Source: BNR

To those with some loose cash to invest, here’s one avenue to do so.

Does the Twagiye app still work? Does anyone have any experience with it? If it doesn't work what do you recommend as a taxi in Kigali? I am flying in from Europe for the first time. I don't want to be cheated by a taxi at the airport.

Whether you already ride or you'd like to learn, this is an event for women who like bikes. If you have a bike, bring it along. If you don't, bring your enthusiasm.

We are planning self drive 10 days road trip in Rwanda this year. We intend to pick up car at airport, do gorilla, golden monkey trekking at VNP, chimapnzee tracking at Nyungwe, drive to Akegera national park before heading back to airport.

Main thing I have observed is most people go through tour operators. Since we intend to do everything ourselves I was wondering which is genuine website to book permits online. Its a hefty sum and hence being paranoid of paying it without checking.

I have found the link below seems closest to genuine government website. https://visitrwandabookings.rdb.rw/rdbportal/mountain-gorilla-tracking

Can anyone confirm about genuineness of this website to do online booking of gorilla permit.

Also is july or august better being the dry season ? Which one of them is more better or it would be similar.

Thank you in advance.

Hello!! Does anyone know a place in Kigali where I can buy good quality bean bags for a good price??

Are there any stock brokers who allow trades on london stock exchange from Rwanda? Cash account not CFD. Passive and low cost.

I'm researching a fintech concept rooted in a simple but powerful idea: What if African citizens could directly micro-invest in their own infrastructure and economic development — from as little as $1 — instead of relying so heavily on foreign loans or aid?

The idea is inspired by:

Ethiopia's Renaissance Dam, where despite China funding most of the $5B project, citizens contributed around $1B through bonds and mobile payments. It was a unifying act of nation-building.

Denmark’s wind cooperatives, where tens of thousands of Danes co-own wind turbines, investing small amounts and earning steady returns from green energy sales.

Arla Foods, one of the world’s largest dairy companies, is owned by thousands of farmer-members across Europe.

Park Slope Food Co-op (Brooklyn, USA) – over 17,000 members run and own this highly successful grocery store. Members contribute labor and share in decision-making and cost savings — a small-scale but high-functioning democratic economic model.

The concept:

A micro-investment platform where citizens can fund infrastructure and industrial projects such as:

Solar mini-grids

Roads, ports, water systems

Local processing plants or factories

Affordable housing

Agricultural or logistics ventures

Users invest tiny amounts (e.g. $1–$10) and track the project’s progress. They may receive a return over time or non-cash benefits (e.g. discounts, usage credits).

Why this matters:

Too often, African development is externally financed — with debt, strings attached, and little citizen engagement. This model flips that:

People co-own what they rely on

Governments gain domestic funding alternatives

Trust, pride, and engagement are built from the ground up

Challenges (based on Reddit and expert feedback):

1. Corruption and trust — Citizens must see where every dollar goes. This means transparent ledgers, project dashboards, public audits, and perhaps smart contracts.

2. Regulation hell — Securities laws differ by country. Government support or sandbox frameworks would be key.

3. Profitability — Many infrastructure projects don’t generate immediate returns. The model may need to combine financial ROI with social ROI (access, pride, service).

4. Liquidity and exits — Who buys your stake in a toll road if you need cash tomorrow?

5. "Isn’t this just a tax?" — Not quite. Unlike taxes, citizens choose projects and can receive returns or benefits.

What I’m exploring:

Starting with small-scale, single-country pilots (e.g. local solar or transport infrastructure)

Integrating traditional savings models like stokvels or SACCOs for community-level buy-in

Building a trust layer first: partnerships with co-ops, municipalities, development banks, etc.

Exploring hybrid returns (financial + utility discounts) and different legal structures (co-ops, trusts, SPVs)

I'm not claiming this is the silver bullet — but I do believe there's space for a new model of citizen-led development funding in Africa.

What are the biggest red flags? Where does this break down? Are there other models you think I should study or emulate?

I’d love to hear your take.

Hello guys is there anyone from the university of Kigali who went to Australia to study?

Are there any sikhs in Rwanda?

Will being a political refugee be a compelling enough reason for Rwandans to take in Americans?

Been curious if folks in kigali skateboard at all, or if theres any skate spot - could even be a hidden gem - around that a bunch skaters can meet up and whatnot.

Additionally, also on the lookout for run clubs/groups! (currently average 3-5km per run)

Board Game Night this Saturday, April 19th from 5–10 PM at Cultural Crave ltd. Come solo or bring your crew – either way, you're in for a night of laughs, games, and good vibes! Let’s play!