On the tranquil shores of Lake Mirayi in Gashora of Bugesera District, rows of mango trees sway gently in the wind as long-horned Inyambo cattle graze nearby. Children laugh as they feed rabbits and ducks, while visitors take in the calm beauty of a countryside retreat that feels worlds away from the bustle of Kigali.
This is Eagle View Farm, a fast-growing hospitality and agribusiness brand founded by William Shyaka, a Rwandan entrepreneur whose journey from Europe back to his homeland is helping redefine tourism, farming and community development in Bugesera.
William Shyaka, a Rwandan entrepreneur
William represents a growing generation of Rwandans from the diaspora who have chosen to return home not only to invest but also to contribute to the transformation of their country.
Born in Rwanda but raised in Switzerland after leaving at the age of nine, William completed his studies in mechanical engineering and secured a stable career in Europe. Yet despite the comfort and opportunities abroad, Rwanda remained close to his heart.
His turning point came when President Paul Kagame visited Rwandans living in Europe and challenged them to think about what they could do for their country.
“That message stayed with me,” William recalls. “I kept asking myself how I could contribute to building Rwanda.”
In 2012, it was time to return home.
A Vision Rooted in Opportunity
Like many entrepreneurs, William’s journey did not begin with a grand master plan. It began with observation — seeing possibilities where others saw limitations.
While working with partners to operate 5 Swiss Hotel in Kigali, he became increasingly drawn to Bugesera, a region known for its lakes and vast landscapes but also for the harsh droughts that often affected local farmers.
He purchased land along Lake Mirayi in Gashora Sector, convinced that the area held enormous untapped potential.
His entrepreneurial instincts sharpened further in 2015 when the closure of the Burundi-Rwanda border caused fruit prices to rise sharply due to supply shortages.
Seeing both a challenge and an opportunity, he planted mango trees. William had to think differently; with the water resources in Bugesera, he introduced modern irrigation systems to support farming activities.
Three years later, the farm was producing tonnes of mangoes.
Today, Eagle View Farm harvests more than 120 tonnes of mangoes annually, alongside oranges, avocados and other fruits destined for both local markets and export.
But for William, farming was never only about production.
For decades, farming has often been viewed by many young people as a low-status occupation. William wanted to challenge that perception.
Seated on the porch of his newly completed lodge, overlooking neatly maintained orchards as peacocks gracefully roam the surroundings, William speaks passionately about agriculture as one of Rwanda’s greatest economic potentials.
“People underestimate farming,” he says. “But commercial agriculture can be more profitable than many professions people traditionally admire.”
His own experience reflects that belief. Despite operating one of the most successful restaurant in the centre of Kigali, William says returns from farming were far more rewarding.
At Eagle View Farm, agriculture meets innovation and tourism.
The property hosts a variety of livestock, including sheep, rabbits, ducks, geese, pigs, chickens and peacocks. Among the most treasured attractions are the majestic Inyambo cattle — Rwanda’s iconic long-horned breed deeply rooted in the country’s cultural heritage.
For William, the Inyambo are less about production and more about preserving identity and tradition.
“It’s my passion, Inyambo, keep us connected to our roots.”
The farm has since evolved into an eco-friendly destination where families, especially children from Kigali, can reconnect with nature and learn firsthand about food production and animal rearing.
Recognising the growing demand for recreational family spaces near the capital, William gradually transformed the farm into a hospitality destination.
Today, visitors not only tour orchards and livestock areas, but also enjoy accommodation, farm-to-table dining experiences and cultural entertainment.
More than 90 per cent of the food served at Eagle View Farm is sourced locally, much of it directly from the farm itself.
The Birth of the Eagle View Brand
William’s entry into hospitality took another leap during the COVID-19 pandemic. When his wife and children returned to Europe, he found himself living alone in a large house in Rebero, one of Kigali’s scenic hills overlooking the city.
Rather than leave the property underutilised, he transformed it into an Airbnb.
The response exceeded expectations.
Visitors were captivated by the panoramic views of Kigali, and William quickly recognised the potential to create something bigger.
That idea became Eagle View Lodge.
The name itself carries personal symbolism.
“An eagle is my favorite character,” William explains. “It observes things from afar, remains focused and steady. A good view helps people think clearly, and thoughtful minds lead to progress and development.”
The philosophy has shaped the growth of the Eagle View brand, which now includes four expanding branches:
- Eagle View Lodge in Rebero; Eagle View Residence in Kimihurura; Eagle View Golf in Kacyiru; Eagle View Farm in Gashora, Bugesera
Together, the branches are steadily evolving into what William hopes will become a nationwide hospitality chain.
Building Around Bugesera’s Future
William is especially optimistic about the future of Bugesera as Rwanda prepares for the completion of the new international airport currently under construction in the district.
He believes the airport will dramatically transform the region into a major gateway for tourism, business and logistics.
“When the first passengers land in Bugesera, Eagle View wants to be ready to give them a true Rwandan experience,” he says.
His ambition is for Eagle View to become one of the first hospitality references for travellers arriving through the airport — offering visitors authentic experiences rooted in culture, nature and community.
That vision aligns closely with the broader transformation of Bugesera District, which is rapidly positioning itself as one of Rwanda’s most strategic growth corridors.
Empowering Communities Through Enterprise
Beyond business growth, William places strong emphasis on community empowerment.
Eagle View Farm employs agronomists, veterinarians, hospitality staff and numerous casual labourers during planting and harvesting seasons, with the majority recruited locally.
Women and youth from surrounding communities are among the biggest beneficiaries.
The farm also hosts study tours for farmers from across Rwanda eager to learn about irrigation systems, fruit production and modern agricultural practices.
Meanwhile, children from workers’ families and neighbouring villages participate in cultural dance groups supported by Eagle View, helping preserve traditional heritage while creating entertainment opportunities.
As an art enthusiast, William also works closely with local artisans whose crafts and artworks are displayed across Eagle View properties.
For him, success means ensuring that growth benefits not only the business but the wider community around it.
A Dream Coming Full Circle
Today, William continues to divide his life between Rwanda and Switzerland, where his family resides. Yet his heart and ambitions remain firmly rooted in Rwanda.
From the comfortable certainty of employment in Europe to the unpredictable journey of entrepreneurship back home, he has steadily built a brand grounded in resilience, opportunity and national pride.
What began as a personal desire to “lay a brick” in building his homeland is now becoming a tangible reality.
Through hospitality, farming, tourism and community empowerment, William Shyaka is not only expanding the Eagle View brand — he is helping shape a new story of Bugesera District itself.
A story where agriculture meets innovation, tourism meets culture, and local communities grow alongside business success.
