Rwanda’s Industrial Parks Face Years of Delays and Infrastructure Gaps

Kigali, 7 August 2026 - Rwanda’s industrial park program is facing persistent challenges, including delayed infrastructure, limited industrial activity and weak monitoring, with some parks remaining largely undeveloped years after being established.

The issue was highlighted by Senator Mureshyankwano Marie Rose, who questioned the status of the Rubavu Industrial Park, saying it remains largely undeveloped despite having existed for about a decade. She also cited the Rusizi Industrial Park, where only a small number of industries are operating and many are functioning below capacity.

Rwanda launched its industrial park program in 2006, beginning with Kigali, with the aim of supporting industrialization and domestic production. Rwamagana followed in 2017, while parks in areas such as Muhanga and Musanze were designated for manufacturing and construction-related industries, and Nyagatare and Nyabihu for agro-processing.

Under the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), Rwanda has prioritized four industrial zones for comprehensive infrastructure, including paved roads, electricity, water, telecommunications, security and customs facilities. Spatial and infrastructure plans have been developed for several sites, while detailed planning for Nyagatare is expected in 2026 and Rubavu in 2027.

The government plans to pave roads in the selected industrial parks by 2029. In Musanze, six kilometres of roads are planned, with additional water, electricity and internet infrastructure. Muhanga has received major compensation payments, including Rwf4 billion for 254 residents, while road construction and plans for waste treatment and power facilities are underway.

In Rwamagana, 7.4 kilometres of dirt roads have been built and are expected to be upgraded through a project jointly financed by Rwanda and the World Bank. Huye has completed resettlement of affected residents, while resettlement in Rusizi has reached 90%. However, infrastructure development remains uneven across the different parks.

Trade and Industry Minister Antoine Marie Kajangwe said compensation in Rubavu and Nyagatare is being carried out in cooperation with investors. In Rubavu, compensation for the remaining land will progress as investors participate, while roads, electricity and water will be developed as funding becomes available.

The minister also acknowledged weaknesses in monitoring district-level industrial parks, particularly those intended for small and medium-sized enterprises. The government is working with the Ministry of Local Government to establish clearer priorities and improve oversight.

Despite the challenges, occupancy in the Kigali and Bugesera industrial parks has reached about 90%, highlighting a significant gap between the better-developed sites and industrial parks that are still struggling to attract investment and obtain basic infrastructure.