KETHA partners with LMR, Choice Hotels Africa and resorts to create global career opportunities for hospitality and tourism students

By The Inspirer.

Kigali, Rwanda — July 31, 2026: Kigali Excellent Tourism and Hospitality Academy (KETHA) has entered into a strategic partnership with La Maison Royale (LMR) Management Company, the hospitality management company associated with Choice Hotels Africa, and Resorts Hotels in a move aimed at strengthening hospitality education and expanding career opportunities for young professionals in Rwanda and across Africa.

The partnership was announced following a high-level meeting held at the KETHA campus on July 31, 2026, attended by Mr. Bharat Panchal, Finance Manager at LMR Management Company, and KETHA leadership.

The collaboration will focus on bridging the gap between hospitality education and industry needs through practical training, internships, employment pathways and professional development opportunities for students and graduates.

Under the partnership, KETHA and LMR Management Company will work together in areas including:

• Student internships and industrial attachment programmes
• Graduate employment opportunities
• International management trainee programmes
• Faculty engagement and professional development
• Guest lectures and industry-led practical training
• Curriculum enhancement and skills development
• Stronger industry-academia collaboration
• New hotels to expand opportunities for students

A key highlight of the partnership is the planned opening of three new resort hotels under the Choice Hotels Africa portfolio in January 2027.

The new properties are expected to create additional opportunities for KETHA students and graduates through internship placements, management training programmes and employment opportunities within the growing hospitality sector.

Connecting Rwandan talent to a global hospitality network

The partnership strengthens KETHA’s international outlook by connecting students to one of the world’s largest hospitality networks.

Choice Hotels International operates more than 7,500 hotels across more than 45 countries and territories, with a portfolio of internationally recognised brands including Comfort Hotels, Quality Hotels, Clarion Hotels, Cambria Hotels, Sleep Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection, MainStay Suites, WoodSpring Suites, Econo Lodge, Country Inn & Suites and Radisson Hotels in the Americas.

Through this partnership, KETHA students and graduates will gain increased access to global hospitality standards, international internship opportunities, career development programmes and potential employment pathways within a worldwide hotel network.

LMR expanding hospitality footprint in Africa

As the hospitality management company associated with Choice Hotels Africa, LMR Management Company is leading the expansion of international hospitality brands across the African continent.

LMR currently manages properties in Kenya and Rwanda, including La Maison Royale Westlands, La Maison Royale South C and La Maison Royale Masai Mara in Nairobi, as well as Residency by LMR in Kigali.

The opening of three additional resort hotels in January 2027 will further strengthen LMR’s presence in East Africa while creating more opportunities for hospitality professionals.

Benefits for KETHA students

The partnership will provide KETHA students with:

• International-quality practical training
• More internship and industrial attachment opportunities
• Graduate employment pathways
• Exposure to global hospitality standards
• Mentorship from experienced industry professionals
• Career opportunities within internationally recognised hotel brands
• Strengthening employment-focused education

KETHA, a TVET institution accredited by the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA) and Rwanda Development Board (RDB), has built a reputation for connecting hospitality education with labour market opportunities.

The institution has developed partnerships with hotels and tourism organisations, implemented structured internship programmes, provided career guidance and supported students in gaining international industry exposure.

KETHA reports that its graduate employment rate consistently exceeds 80%, with many alumni working in Rwanda and abroad.

The partnership with LMR Management Company and Choice Hotels Africa further supports KETHA’s vision of becoming a leading centre of excellence in hospitality and tourism education in Rwanda and beyond.

KETHA principal highlights partnership impact

Dr. Alphonse Habimana, Founder and Principal of KETHA, said the partnership represents an important step in linking education with employment opportunities.

“This partnership marks another important milestone in our commitment to connecting education with employment. Working together with LMR Management Company and Choice Hotels Africa will provide our students with access to world-class hospitality training, internships and career opportunities,” he said.

“We are proud to partner with organisations that share our vision of developing the next generation of hospitality professionals for Rwanda, Africa and the global hospitality industry.”

KETHA continues to invite students, parents, employers and development partners to join an institution focused on transforming hospitality education through innovation, excellence, international partnerships and direct pathways to employment.

Kigali Excellent Tourism and Hospitality Academy (KETHA)

“Where Education Meets Employment and Global Opportunities.”

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