A New Era for Rwandan Football: The FERWAFA Hotel
The newly inaugurated FERWAFA Hotel is set to transform the way Rwanda’s national football teams operate, significantly reducing financial strain and improving logistical efficiency. This development comes as a result of a partnership between FERWAFA and FIFA through the FIFA Forward Programme. The hotel is expected to save the federation over Rwf50 million in accommodation expenses per training camp, according to FERWAFA president Fabrice Shema.
The facility was officially unveiled on March 30 and will serve as a hub for Rwanda’s national teams—covering men’s, women’s, and youth squads—as well as other sports federations and clubs. It will also be used for meetings and workshops hosted by the federation.
Cost Savings and Operational Efficiency
Shema highlighted that the hotel will not only cut costs but also enhance operational efficiency. “The advantage of this hotel is that everything needed is within close proximity, including a training pitch. Previously, transport costs were a major part of organizing national team camps. On average, we estimate savings in excess of Rwf50 million,” he said during an interview with Times Sport.
The hotel allows multiple teams to train simultaneously, which was previously challenging due to limited infrastructure and high transportation costs. With all necessary facilities located on-site, the need for long-distance travel has been minimized, streamlining the entire process.
Facility Details and Expansion Plans
The FERWAFA Hotel has the capacity to host up to 82 guests. It features 42 bedrooms, two dining halls, office spaces, and two large meeting rooms. These amenities are designed to support football development in Rwanda and provide a comfortable environment for teams and officials.
Shema also mentioned that the hotel will be accessible to other sports federations and clubs. “This hotel will be open to other national teams, including basketball and volleyball. We are also working on a framework that will allow capable local clubs to use the facility,” he explained.
Construction Timeline and Funding Challenges
Construction of the FERWAFA Hotel began in August 2015 and was initially scheduled for completion in 2016 at a cost of Rwf4 billion. However, work was suspended in 2018 due to financial constraints after reaching the halfway stage.
In August 2021, construction resumed with the completion of 40 rooms. This was made possible after FERWAFA secured $2.5 million from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation through FIFA support. Subsequently, FIFA injected an additional $4.5 million (over Rwf5 billion) under the FIFA Forward Programme. This initiative was launched in Rwanda during the FIFA Congress held in Kigali in March 2023.
Future Prospects
With the completion of the FERWAFA Hotel, Rwanda is taking a significant step forward in its football development strategy. The facility not only addresses immediate financial and logistical challenges but also sets a foundation for long-term growth in the sport. As more teams and organizations begin to utilize the hotel, it is expected to become a central hub for sports activities across the country.
