Construction works on the proposed multi-billion mall dubbed ‘Inzovu Mall’ is set to start in May 2023, The New Times has learnt.

Arguably the largest shopping centre to be constructed by the French firm Groupe Duval in Rwanda, it will occupy the premises of the former justice ministry adjacent to the Kigali Convention Centre.

The handover of the property was completed in February 2022, with the property changing hands between the government represented by Rwanda Development Board and Rwanda Housing Authority to Duval Great Lakes Ltd.

Duval Great Lakes Ltd is a local subsidiary of Groupe Duval in partnership with a Rwandan business man, Vicky Murabukirwa who is also its Managing Director.

Murabukirwa told The New Times that they are in a tendering process of selecting a contractor who will handle the development of the mall.

"We have got some contractors and gave them necessary documents and they will submit [their proposals] on February 17, and we do an analysis of choosing one contractor,” he said.

According to him, contract negotiations will be done in March and the construction activities will start with an underground digging of parking in May following the end of a rainy season in April.

When complete and operational, the mall is expected to complement the tourism experience for guests in the country.

The complex to be developed with aspects of green technology will feature a range of facilities including indoor gaming facilities, gaming arcades, a wide range of retailers, and restaurants among others.

The project is one of the beneficiaries of the ‘Manufacture and Build to Recover Programme’ which is extending tax breaks and tax credits to businesses with an aim to reduce cost of investment for new manufacturers as well as those seeking to expand existing operations.

Groupe Duval has been in existence for about 25 years with stakes in real estate development, hospitality sector, food production and investment funds among others.

It also has a subsidiary in golf club management, UGolf which manages over 50 golf courses on behalf of public or private owners.