With 11.8 million land parcels registered in Rwanda, ownership patterns highlight a dynamic and inclusive landscape. According to the National Land Authority, women own about 19 per cent (2.2 million) of registered parcels while men solely own about 12 per cent (1.3 million parcels). 49 per cent of land parcels are co-owned in the form of joint ownership among spouses or business partners. About 19 per cent of the parcels fall under the ownership of state entities. Other notable ownership categories include business companies (35,590 parcels), cooperatives (3,297 parcels), and foreign nationals using passports (39,021 parcels). ALSO READ: How automation of 10 land services solved accessibility issues The latest land transaction data highlight three districts leading in activity: with 1,979, Gasabo recorded the highest number of transactions in March so far, followed by Gisagara which recorded 1,177 and Bugesera with 1,176. This suggests a growing demand in both urban and peri-urban areas for residential and commercial development. The recently launched Rwanda Land Dashboard indicates that land prices fluctuate based on usage and location. The most expensive land category is undefined at Rwf23,819 per square meter, potentially indicating speculative investments or areas awaiting classification. Industrial land follows at Rwf21,914 per square meter, highlighting the increasing demand for manufacturing and business development zones. Residential land stands at Rwf16,553 per square meter, while agricultural land remains the most affordable at Rwf3,334 per square meter. ALSO READ: National land system to integrate financial management information The same statistics show that Kicukiro has the highest average land price at Rwf24,270 per square meter, followed by Gasabo (Rwf18,577) and Nyarugenge (Rwf16,383). These three districts reflect the premium value of land in the City of Kigali. Conversely, the lowest land prices are found in Southern Province: the average price of land in Gisagara is Rwf1,725 per square meter, Rwf1,851 in Nyaruguru, and Rwf2,241 in Nyamagabe. These districts remain primarily rural with limited commercial pressure. Additionally, 680,965 parcels are registered without an identification number, posing potential challenges in land governance and formalization efforts. ALSO READ: Govt pledges to clear land subdivision service backlog in one month Rwanda's land registry also documents parcels with legal caveats or specific designations. A total of 57,151 parcels are currently caveated, indicating legal disputes or pending ownership clarifications. Mortgage-backed properties amount to 145,019, reflecting active lending and financing within the real estate sector. Notably, 522,544 parcels are designated as wetland areas. According to Marie Grace Nishimwe, Director General of the National Land Authority, Rwanda’s land sector is experiencing significant positive transformation, with increasing urbanization, investment, and evolving ownership structures. ALSO READ: Govt to resolve land demarcation issues by 2027 – officials “The three districts in Kigali continue to attract high-value investments, while rural areas offer affordable opportunities for agricultural and residential expansion, Nishimwe told The New Times. Legal considerations, including caveats, state-owned land, and regulatory oversight, play a crucial role in shaping land use policies and market trends. As the country progresses toward sustainable economic growth, effective land management strategies will ensure prosperity, inclusivity, and equitable access to land resources,” she added.
