Kagame’s Oman visit puts trade, investment and Gulf-Africa ties in focus

Elias Hakizimana Sep 7, 2026Sep 7, 2026 0 Comments

By The Inspirer.

President Paul Kagame’s two-day working visit to Oman comes as Rwanda seeks to deepen its economic engagement with the Gulf and position itself for greater trade, investment and connectivity between Africa and the Middle East.

Kagame arrived in Salalah on Monday and was received by Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, with the two leaders holding talks on strengthening relations between the two countries.While the visit carries a strong diplomatic dimension, its broader significance lies in the growing economic relationship between Rwanda and Oman, particularly in investment, aviation, logistics, technology and trade.The two countries have in recent years expanded cooperation beyond traditional diplomatic ties. Their growing partnership now covers areas including telecommunications, the digital economy, artificial intelligence, transport, port services, aviation and investment.

For Rwanda, Oman offers an important link to the Gulf’s wider commercial and investment networks. For Oman, Rwanda represents an increasingly prominent East African economy with ambitions to attract investment, expand trade and strengthen its position as a regional business and logistics hub.

The relationship has also gained a new dimension through air connectivity.

Oman Air launched direct flights between Muscat and Kigali in July 2026, creating a new passenger and commercial link between the two countries. Operating twice a week, the route is expected to support tourism, business travel and stronger people-to-people connections.

The new connection could also make it easier for businesses and investors to explore opportunities in both markets, while giving Rwanda another gateway to the Gulf and beyond.

The two governments have already laid the groundwork for deeper cooperation. In April 2025, Rwanda and Oman signed a memorandum of understanding covering telecommunications and the digital economy.

More agreements followed during Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe’s visit to Oman in January 2026, reflecting the two countries’ efforts to translate diplomatic relations into practical economic cooperation.

Kagame’s current visit therefore comes at a time when both sides have an opportunity to move from agreements and diplomatic engagement towards concrete investment and commercial partnerships.

For Rwanda, the priority will be to turn its growing relationship with Oman into tangible opportunities for businesses, investors and the wider economy.

For Oman, deeper engagement with Rwanda could provide a stronger foothold in East Africa and access to one of the continent’s fastest-growing business and investment environments.

The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1982, but the pace and scope of their engagement have expanded significantly in recent years.

Kagame’s visit could further test how far that relationship can evolve—from diplomatic friendship into a more ambitious economic partnership connecting Rwanda, the Gulf and the wider African market.