A Kigali-based manufacturer, Legend Cables, is positioning itself as a major local supplier of electrical cables as Rwanda seeks to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen domestic industry.

Launched in August 2025, the company produces a range of electrical cables for residential, commercial and industrial use. According to its management, the firm already supplies about 85 per cent of the domestic market and plans to meet the country’s full demand in the coming months.

"We are planning to supply 100 per cent of the country by the end of the second quarter of this year. Our clients, whether electricians, hardware dealers or contractors, have appreciated our products since day one, due to our outstanding quality, competitive prices, and the way we treat our clients,” said Olivier Rushemeza, CEO, Legend Cables.

The company says its operations combine advanced production technology with strict quality control to meet both national and international standards. Its management indicates that local production supports Rwanda’s industrialization goals, while also helping to lower the country’s import bill for electrical cables.

Rushemeza said the company’s expansion aligns with the government’s "Made in Rwanda” agenda and broader efforts to stimulate private-sector growth.

"We sincerely appreciate all the efforts the Government of Rwanda has put in place to enable the private sector to grow steadily. Legend Cables, as another economic player, will significantly contribute to the growth of the ‘Made in Rwanda’ agenda, positively impacting the trade deficit by considerably reducing imports of electrical cables.”

Building a local manufacturing base

The idea behind Legend Cables emerged from Rushemeza’s experience in Rwanda’s energy sector and observing the country’s heavy dependence on imported electrical materials.

"Establishing such a company has always been a dream. Since I was involved in other businesses related to the energy sector, I realised that the local market needed more suppliers to meet demand. That is what pushed me to set up a factory,” he explained.

The company focuses on supplying cables tailored to the needs of construction firms, engineers and contractors. It produces building wires, power cables and single or multi-core cables used in homes, offices and industrial facilities.

Legend Cables also manufactures specialised high-performance cables designed to improve durability and safety.

According to Rushemeza, the factory prioritised modern equipment and materials during its setup phase.

"We focused on choosing the right equipment with cutting-edge technology, using high-purity copper, to produce a distinctive and outstanding product. We are committed to ensuring the safety and quality of our products throughout the manufacturing process.”

The company says its innovation-driven approach has also allowed it to comply with regulations requiring the use of biodegradable and environmentally friendly packaging materials.

Production and quality control

"Our cables manufacturing begin with high-quality copper rods, which are drawn into wires, twisted into cores, insulated, and sometimes sheathed for extra strength. Every product undergoes rigorous quality tests before reaching the market,” said Engineer Fidele Nkurunziza, Production Manager, Legend Cables.

The firm sources copper and PVC insulation materials from certified suppliers and conducts internal testing before production begins, he underscored.

"The main raw materials we use include high-quality copper wires and PVC for insulation and sheathing. We guarantee the quality of these raw materials by sourcing them from certified suppliers. We also have a quality control laboratory where we test the raw materials.”

The Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) also conducts inspections and laboratory testing to ensure compliance with national standards.

"Furthermore, the Rwanda Standards Board inspects the raw materials regularly, including through surprise checks, and tests them at the national laboratory,” Nkurunziza said.

Before cables reach the market, they undergo additional tests measuring conductor resistance, insulation resistance and structural integrity.

"We test parameters such as conductor resistance, insulation resistance, and cable integrity in our in-house quality control laboratory. Furthermore, all our cables are RSB-certified. The Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) also visits our factory, sometimes taking samples of our products to the national laboratory to test them for compliance with all relevant safety and quality standards. Our cables are made to meet international standards and are highly reliable,” he added.

The company has adopted a double-layer skin-coating insulation technique designed to enhance durability and fire safety.

"We have also introduced an insulation of our cables through the application of a double-layer skin-coating technique, which provides better insulation resistance as well as greater cable durability. In addition, we carry out our in-house quality control laboratory to enable fast and precise testing of the cables produced,” Nkurunziza said.

Market reception

Since entering the market, Legend Cables says it has gained growing confidence among contractors, engineers and distributors.

Yvette Mukagasana, a wholesale dealer at COPCOM (Cooperative for the Promotion of Construction Materials Traders) in Gisozi, said she has distributed the company’s products for seven months.

"As a wholesale dealer, we have been distributing Legend Cables for about seven months since they entered the Rwandan market. During this period, we have supplied the products to a wide range of customers, including technicians, engineers, construction companies, and electrical material retailers. In that relatively short time, the brand has gained significant trust among our clients,” she said.

Mukagasana noted that quality and competitive pricing were among the main reasons she decided to stock the brand.

"Finally, the company has shown a strong commitment to supporting dealers and technicians, which creates a good partnership in the market.”

According to distributors, customers value the cables’ durability, safety and consistent performance, which helps reduce installation issues and risks such as overheating or electrical failures.

Mukagasana also said locally manufactured products contribute to the broader economy.

"When a local product meets safety and performance standards, it becomes a reliable option for the market,” she said, adding that contractors and engineers increasingly recommend Legend Cables to their clients.

Regional ambitions

Despite early market success, the company faces challenges, particularly the high cost of raw materials such as copper and specialised insulation components. Competition from imported cables, some of which may not meet required standards, is another obstacle.

Rushemeza said these pressures encourage the company to improve efficiency while maintaining quality.

"However, these challenges encourage us to be efficient and innovative in order to provide quality products while at the same time promoting the local manufacturing industry in Rwanda.”

Looking ahead, the company aims to expand beyond Rwanda’s borders.

"We also seek to increase our production capacity, invest more in cutting-edge technology, and improve distribution networks to reach East and Central Africa. Our ultimate goal is to make Rwanda a competitive market for electrical cable production, thereby contributing to regional infrastructure and energy growth,” Rushemeza said.