Kagame expected in Oman for state visit

President Paul Kagame is expected in Oman on Monday for a two-day official visit, as Kigali and the Gulf state move to turn a recently accelerated diplomatic relationship into deeper economic ties.

Oman’s state news agency announced the September 7-8 visit on Saturday, saying it would strengthen cooperation and open “new horizons” for partnership. The trip follows a series of high-level exchanges and agreements in aviation, logistics, digital technology and infrastructure.

The relationship began in 1982 but remained relatively limited for decades. It has gained momentum over the past two years. In January, Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe travelled to Oman with senior officials responsible for ICT and innovation, finance and infrastructure, along with the head of the Rwanda Development Board.

That visit produced agreements on airports, logistics, inland ports, data centres, cloud computing and artificial intelligence. The Rwanda Development Board and Oman Airports Management Company agreed to explore cooperation on airport development and management, exchange expertise and identify investment opportunities in aviation infrastructure. The two sides also agreed to examine dry ports and supply-chain services.

A new air link is adding practical support to the economic push. Omani low-cost carrier SalamAir launched direct Muscat-Kigali flights in July, operating twice a week. The five-hour connection gives Rwanda direct access to Oman and the wider Gulf, while making travel easier for businesspeople, tourists and investors. The countries had signed an Air Services Agreement in 2023, which entered into force in January 2026.

The two governments have identified further opportunities in energy, renewable energy, mining, logistics, airports, hospitality, healthcare, education and technology. Omani companies have also previously tested the Rwandan market.

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new horizons