As the festive season kicks off, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has announced new temporary operating hours for the hospitality industry, offering businesses a glimpse of relief. From 10 December 2024 to 5 January 2025, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and other establishments are allowed to operate until 2:00 a.m. on weekdays and throughout the night on Fridays, weekends, and public holidays.
While this extension of operating hours provides some welcome flexibility, many in the hospitality sector are hoping that it marks the beginning of a shift towards more sustainable operating hours. Over the past year, the industry has faced challenges due to restrictions that required establishments to close at 1:00 a.m. on weekdays and 2:00 a.m. on weekends, leading to significant financial losses.
For many businesses, the hours after 2:00 a.m. are critical for revenue generation, and the shortened hours have taken a toll. Nightclubs, bars, and restaurants in Kigali and other urban centers have particularly felt the pinch, with many struggling to recover the income lost from reduced late-night operations.
The impact has also been felt on employment. With businesses unable to maintain their pre-restriction staff levels, several establishments have been forced to cut jobs, particularly among workers who rely on late-night shifts, such as bartenders, security personnel, and waitstaff.
“We’ve had to make difficult decisions to reduce staff numbers,” said a nightclub owner in Kigali. “The shortened hours have severely impacted our business, and unfortunately, many of our employees have been affected.”
While businesses are appreciative of the festive season extension, they are looking forward to more permanent solutions. Industry representatives are calling on RDB to consider reinstating 24-hour operations, arguing that the previous year’s restrictions have hindered the growth of the sector, particularly given Rwanda’s potential as a regional hub for tourism and entertainment.
“We understand the need for regulations, but the current restrictions are challenging for businesses that rely on late-night revenue,” said an industry advocate. “We hope that this festive season extension will pave the way for longer-term changes that can support recovery and growth.”
With the festive season underway, the hospitality sector remains hopeful that these temporary adjustments will help businesses recover, create jobs, and continue to contribute to Rwanda’s growing tourism economy.