Rwanda Development Board
Location
The headquarters of RDB are located on KG 220 Street, in Kigali, the capital and largest city of Rwanda.
Overview
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) was established in 2009 to coordinate, spur and promote national economic development. RDB includes agencies responsible for "business registration, investment promotion, environmental clearances, privatization and specialist agencies which support the priority sectors of ICT and tourism as well as SMEs and human capacity development in the private sector". The Executive Director's position, is a cabinet-level position and the incumbent is appointed by and reports directly to the president of Rwanda. RDB measures its achievements in (a) direct foreign and domestic investments, (b) increased exports and (c) number of jobs created.
Management
As of September 2017, the senior managers in the RDB include the following:
- Clare Akamanzi – executive director and chief executive officer
- Emmanuel Hategeka – chief operating officer
- Mark Nkurunziza – chief financial officer
- Belise Kariza – chief tourism officer
- Winifred Ngangure – acting head of the Investment Promotion Department
- Eugene Mutangana – head of the Conservation Department
- Louise Kanyonga – registrar general
Visit Rwanda sponsorship
In May 2018, Arsenal announced Visit Rwanda as the club's first official shirt sleeve sponsor and the club's official tourism partner in a three-year £10 million per year deal. The deal was extended to another four years in 2021.
In December 2019, Paris Saint-Germain signed a three-year €8-10 million per year deal with Visit Rwanda as the club's official tourism partner. The Visit Rwanda logo will also appear on the back of the men's training kit and on the shirt sleeve of the women's team's kit. In May 2023, the deal was extended to 2025.
In May 2021, the Basketball Africa League (BAL) signed a sponsorship deal with Visit Rwanda as a founding and host partner of the BAL. Visit Rwanda will be showcased on BAL team uniforms. The deal was extended to another five years in 2023.
In August 2023, Bayern Munich signed a five year partnership deal with Visit Rwanda as a football development and tourism promotion partner.
The sponsorship deals has been met with criticism due to the human rights abuse allegations in Rwanda and that Rwanda president Paul Kagame is using sportswashing to enhance the country's reputation.