Lagardère Travel Retail has opened a new duty-free store at Kigali International Airport in Rwanda, marking its latest expansion in Africa. This move brings Lagardère's store count in Africa to over 30 across eight countries, including recent expansions in Gambia, Gabon, Mauritania, Senegal, and Tanzania.
The company has identified Africa as a significant growth region, with revenue increasing in the third quarter. The new store in Kigali, operated under the Aelia banner and in partnership with local firm Flairway, offers a 4,700-square-foot retail space.
It aims to enhance the passenger experience by providing access to a wide range of international and local products, including Rwandan crafts, coffee, tea, avocado oil, local spirits, and standard duty-free items like wines, spirits, and beauty products. A Relay shop-in-shop will also sell travel essentials and electronics.
The opening signifies Lagardère's commitment to the African market, with Sountou Bousso, CEO of West, Central, and East Africa, highlighting Kigali Airport's importance as a gateway to a rapidly growing tourist destination. The company has also expanded Bousso's CEO remit to cover East Africa, including Tanzania and Rwanda, to better manage supply chains and logistics across the vast continent and foster collaboration among its teams to support continued growth.
