In the heart of Bugesera District, where vast plains are steadily giving way to storied structures, paved roads, and rising investments, one story stands out as a reflection of the district’s transformation. It is the journey of Savana Centre, a hospitality establishment in Nyamata, led by entrepreneur Pacifique Niwemuhoza .
What began as a modest telecentre in 2005 has grown into one of the district’s leading hospitality facilities—an evolution that mirrors Rwanda’s gradual growth into a diversified, service-driven economy.
“At the time, telecentres played an important role in connecting communities,” Pacifique recalls the iniative 201 years ago. “But as technology advanced, we saw the need to adapt.”
Together with her husband, she made a bold decision: to pivot from ICT services to hospitality. By 2013, Savana Centre had officially opened its doors as a hotel, marking the beginning of a new chapter not only for the business, but also for Bugesera’s emerging tourism and conference landscape.
Today, Savana Centre stands among the district’s largest hospitality establishments, boasting 54 self-contained rooms and a range of conference facilities. Yet its growth has been anything but sudden. Starting with just 11 rooms, the business expanded gradually—over 80 percent of it through self-financing.
“We chose a step-by-step approach,” Pacifique explains. “It allowed us to grow sustainably while maintaining quality.”
This steady rise reflects a broader pattern across Bugesera, where local entrepreneurs are playing a critical role in driving economic transformation. For Savana Centre, that contribution is visible in job creation, tax revenue, and the growing appeal of the district as a destination for business and leisure.
But beyond numbers, its impact is perhaps most felt in people.
Through collaboration with the Rwanda TVET Board, the hotel has become a training ground for young professionals. A recent nine-month internship program equipped youth from Bugesera with practical hospitality skills, preparing them for employment in an increasingly competitive sector.
“We believe in building talent from within the community,” says Pacifique. “It’s not just about running a business—it’s about creating opportunities.”
That philosophy extends to the hotel’s supply chain. By sourcing most of its food from local farmers, Savana Centre has built a network that supports rural livelihoods while ensuring fresh, high-quality produce for its guests. It is a model of inclusive growth, one that keeps economic benefits circulating in the area.
Partnerships have also played a key role in the centre’s journey. Working with Access to Finance Rwanda, the business is currently developing a five-year strategic plan aimed at strengthening sustainability and long-term impact. Such support, also others like women-led initiatives enterprises, have provided both technical guidance and strategic direction.
Equally important has been the enabling environment created by government policies. Investments in infrastructure like roads networks, connectivity, and urban development have made Bugesera increasingly accessible. Government agencies like Rwanda Development Board (RDB) have also facilitated business growth, easing processes such as the importation of specialized equipment.
“All these efforts have reduced operational barriers and allowed us to maintain high standards,” Pacifique notes.
Bugesera’s transformation is perhaps most symbolized by the ongoing development of the new international airport—a project set to redefine the district as a gateway for trade, tourism, and logistics. For businesses like Savana Centre, this represents both an opportunity and a validation of long-term investment decisions.
“Bugesera is becoming a strategic hub,” Pacifique says. “Its proximity to Kigali and the pace of development make it very attractive for investors.”
Looking ahead, her vision aligns closely with that of the district itself: to see Bugesera evolve into a leading center for tourism, business, and innovation.
As the district continues to rise, stories like Savana Centre offer a powerful reminder that transformation is not only driven by large-scale projects, but also by the resilience and foresight of local entrepreneurs.
From a small telecentre to a thriving hospitality hub, the journey of Savana Centre is more than a business success, it is a testament to how adaptability, community focus, and strategic growth can shape the future of an entire region.
