r/Rwanda

I'm mexican and I believe that these three books are, in my opinion at least, the best works of literature to ever been written by mexican authors

1. Pedro Páramo- Juan Rulfo

2. Las Batallas en el Desierto (Battles in the desert)- José Emilio Pacheco

3. El Invencible Verano de Liliana (Liliana's Invincible Summer)- Cristina Rivera Garza

(honorable mention to 2666 because it truly does capture the mexican landscape of violence and dispair but Bolaño was born in Chile so I'm afraid I can't put it on the list)

So I wondered

What three books do you fellow redditors believe to be the best from your own countries? It can be objective or subjective. I'm just curious

From transport to paying bills, or even just finding good internet, there are small frustrations we all deal with daily. If you could change or improve one everyday thing in Rwanda to make life smoother, what would it be? Curious to hear what stands out for most people.

I’m from a different country and came to Rwanda almost a month ago and it seems most ladies dislike texting/talking in general.

Disclaimer:
This is a vent. I’m not looking for pity or even necessarily advice. I just needed to tell someone—even if it’s just the internet—because I can’t keep this inside anymore. Engagement isn't required, but thanks for being a space where I can speak. And please do not try to encourage me into anything thanks!

I’ve reached a point where I feel completely numb. People see me as this outgoing, friendly, and successful person, but it’s a total mask. I wake up, I go to work, I come home, and I scroll. There is no joy. No pleasure. Just a routine I follow because it’s what I’m "supposed" to do i guess🤦🏾‍♂️.

It’s been two years since I cut out the "distractions"—partying, drinking, smoking, and sex. I thought cleaning up my life would make me feel better, but instead, I just feel hollow. I make decent money, I’m great at my job, and i would say I am stable. But every time I hit a milestone, I feel less of a person(truly don’t know why) I can’t even celebrate because the accomplishment feels empty the second I touch it.

I grew up in a family that was messed up in every way possible. I’ve spent my entire adult life working myself to the bone to make sure I have nothing in common with where I came from. I succeeded, but at what cost?
I’m the "giving" friend. I’ll help anyone with anything. I defend people in my head even when they treat me like I’m invisible. A friend recently asked why I don't love myself more, and I couldn't answer. I tried a "solo date" to practice self-care, but I just sat there feeling lonely and weird, unable to even eat my food.
I’m exhausted from faking a smile from the moment I wake up until I’m alone in bed.

Starting in June, I’m going to start hitting the gym—not for the "gains," but because I want to be so physically drained that my brain finally stops thinking. Between that and trying to pray more, I’m just waiting for my time to be up tbh.

I can’t believe this is the life I’m living. I just needed to say that out loud.

Hopefully,someone gets across this :am a university student and a hustler in Kigali and this is the second day drinking only water i live by myself ,i have one parent who cant help now, if you please hellp me with 1k rwf then ill never forget your kind heart please help

Hey everyone,

I’m a full-stack developer (MERN stack) from Rwanda, and honestly I’m feeling pretty stuck right now.

I’ve been applying to a lot of jobs, internships, remote opportunities, and junior roles, but most of the time I either get no response at all or complete silence after applying. Not even a rejection email. It’s been mentally exhausting constantly applying and hearing nothing back.

Being based in Rwanda also makes things harder since many remote roles either don’t hire in Africa or have location restrictions. Even when I find jobs that seem remote-friendly and apply, I still usually get no response.

At this point, I’m starting to question whether I’m doing something wrong with my applications, portfolio, CV, or even my overall approach.

I’d really appreciate honest feedback from experienced developers, recruiters, or anyone who has been in a similar position.

You can check out my portfolio and CV here:
https://derryportfolio.vercel.app/

A bit about me:

• Full-stack developer (MERN stack)
• React / Next.js / Node.js / Express / MongoDB
• UI/UX focused, I enjoy building clean and modern interfaces
• Comfortable building full web applications from frontend to backend

What I’m mainly looking for:

• Honest feedback on my portfolio/CV/applications
• Advice on where I realistically have a chance of landing my first role
• Remote-friendly opportunities open to African developers
• Startup, internship, freelance, or junior opportunities

I’m not looking for pity — just real advice, feedback, or an opportunity to prove myself and grow.

Thanks to anyone who takes time to help.

Hello everyone,

I wanted to share a quick story about how my worldview was recently flipped upside down.

Coming from Pakistan, I’ll be honest: my internal image of Africa was shaped by old stereotypes. I used to think the entire continent was struggling with poverty, safety issues, and a lack of cleanliness. I didn't know any better.

Then, a few days ago, I stumbled upon a vlog from a famous YouTuber visiting Rwanda. I didn't even know where Rwanda was on the map at first. But after that one video, I got curious and went down a rabbit hole of vlogs and documentaries.

I am genuinely shocked.

The cleanliness of the streets, the high level of safety, the low corruption, and how women-friendly the society is... it’s incredible.

When I read about the history and compared it to where the country is now, the growth is nothing short of commendable. It’s a massive inspiration.

I just wanted to say thank you for changing my perspective. You’ve built something beautiful there. I truly hope to visit one day and see it with my own eyes.

Keep growing, Rwanda! 🇷🇼❤️❤

Any passport ladies or white queens here in Rwanda? 😅

Asking for myself and my fellow brothers who are interested in dating outside our borders and seeing what kind of vibe international love can deliver. 😂

If you’re white and living in Rwanda and open to connecting, maybe it’s time to give Rwanda a chance. We’re friendly, funny, hardworking and some of us even know how to cook beyond noodles!!!

Edited I am not looking for money or anything like that just wanna Exchange culture language and spread Love beyond borders I need someone who wanna see what Rwandan Men can deliver

Hi everyone,

Foreigner here in Rwanda. I was taking a walk earlier today and was approached by a local. I don't understand his language and his English wasn't great but what I understood was he needs about 15k for taxi to take his mom to the hospital. I asked for his momo then sent 5k, he mentioned the momo is for his mom.

I didn't really think about it until now. Did I commit a crime doing that or it's normal? Should I be worried? What should I do?

I'd love to hear your opinions on great food places in Kigali as i'll be staying there for a month.
Im not looking for expensive places just something I can get by with where the food is qualitative & worth it. Especially in Kacyiru

Hi, I hope you're well. I managed to pay 80k but still have 76k remaining for school fees. This term involves practicals on site, and I really need to get back to school so I don't miss out.

This is not a scam. I have all the school papers and school code ready to show. I'm not asking anyone to send money directly — I just need support to clear the balance and resume studies.

If possible, I can work to repay the kindness. We might even earn a bit during the on-site practicals.

Any help means a lot. Thank you.

I get everyone is tired of the dating questions but...

Imagine you're speaking with a 30+ woman in Kigali. Share some dating advice!

I have a lot of friends who are 30+, doing amazing in their careers and life but cannot find a partner in this city. Please help my friends get cuffed!

Hello ladies and gents on this sub, can I get your suggestions!

My daughter is graduating from high school in coming weeks and I have been thinking for a gift but my mind is going blank. Can you give me ideas on a gift I can give to a young kid (18F) which can be meaningful or helpful in whichever way which is not a phone of course - she can keep the one she has since it's just what they use while wasting time on ticktock 😁. Budget can be not more than 500K rwf. I appreciate your ideas.

Edit: Also laptop excluded

Being 31 and single in Kigali for a year and a half after a breakup changes the way you look at dating completely.

At first, you enjoy the peace. No stress, no arguments, no explaining yourself to someone acting like an RIB officer. Then slowly reality kicks in. You realize meeting genuine people in Kigali today feels harder than finding a Yego or Move taxi during Friday evening rain when tomorrow is Umuganda.

You then realize we have apps that are supposed to “connect people,” but somehow these apps made everyone more suspicious.

Dating apps are another battlefield entirely. Half the profiles are people selling lifestyles they don’t actually live. Wine glasses on almost every profile, white towels they probably don’t own, hotel bathroom selfies, nail shots, flowers, soft life captions... it starts looking like the same production team is directing everyone.

The other half are HKPs and people who barely understand how to communicate. Nine years of school for “hey” and dry replies. Then there are those looking for financial support disguised as “serious relationships.” You match with someone and within three days the conversation somehow reaches transport money, lunch money, or:

“Hey sweetie, my mom takes high blood pressure medication and I don’t have cash. I’m stressed. I need 15k.”

And trust? Finished.

Everyone has trauma from previous relationships but still enters new ones without healing.

Sometimes you meet someone interesting, but commitment scares people now. Everybody wants attention, consistency, reassurance, dates, loyalty, and emotional support, but nobody wants accountability. The moment things become serious, people disappear faster than Canal+ network or MTN MoMo during a thunderstorm.

Hitting 30+ is not easy. You become more mature and more conscious, so you trust fewer people. Then add work and responsibilities taking most of your time.

Beauty in Kigali is everywhere. Genuine connection? Rare species.

Still, despite all the frustration, part of me believes good people still exist. Maybe they’re just indoors avoiding dating apps too.

Ladies 28+, where do you people hide?

I want to share something I've been working on for months and I'm Saleh, based in Kigali, Rwanda.

Launched today after months of building alone.

The problem: construction and oil & gas teams across Africa

still run inspections on paper. Findings get lost, NCRs never

close, nobody knows the real risk until something breaks.

I built Inspect Africa Pro — inspection management with AI

that scores risk on every finding. Works offline on remote

sites. Generates QR certificates anyone can scan to verifiy​​​.

Honest challenge: Stripe doesn't support Rwanda directly

so I'm taking payments via MTN Mobile Money and bank transfer

for now. Working on international payment options.

Link in comments.

Happy to answer questions or take honest criticism. launched today.​​​​​​​​​​​

Hi! I’m a 25 year old woman from Canada here in Kigali for 3-4 months for an internship. I’m hoping to meet some people and make friends :)

Would love some suggestions on where I could meet people/ let’s connect here if you’re also in Kigali!!

Edit- Sorry yes some things about me: I love to read, learn new things, dance, be active (run and bike), listen to music and have conversations with people!!