A new Rwf13 billion factory that manufactures construction and sanitary hardware has been established in the Bugesera Special Economic Zone. The plant, owned by H-Q Aqua Plastic Ltd, produces a range of products including plumbing, sanitary, and electrical fittings; Wood-Plastic Composite (WPC) wall panels for interior design; water system pipes; LED lighting solutions; glass shower enclosures; and other sanitary ware. ALSO READ: 70% of industrial parks operational as gov’t woos more investors WPC wall panels are decorative and structural cladding products made from a blend of wood fibers and thermoplastics. Known for their durability, water resistance, and aesthetic appeal, they are widely used for both interior and exterior applications. Glass shower cabinets, also known as glass shower enclosures, are fully enclosed bathroom fixtures primarily made of glass panels. LED lighting solutions offered by the factory include a range of energy-efficient lighting systems. Damascene Munyaneza, the factory’s Director of Administration and Finance, said the facility currently employs 22 permanent staff, in addition to casual workers. ALSO READ: Rubavu Industrial Park designs await approval “We commend the government’s initiative to establish special economic zones, which are helping accelerate the implementation of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2),” he said. Callixte Kanamugire, Chief Advocacy Officer at the Private Sector Federation (PSF), said local production of quality construction materials will help reduce Rwanda’s import bill. “The local factories should also target export markets to help address the country’s trade deficit,” he added, encouraging more investors to set up in the Bugesera Industrial Zone. ALSO READ: Tannery park to be set up in Bugesera to boost leather sector The Bugesera Special Economic Zone (BSEZ) aims to add $1.2 billion in value to Rwanda's manufacturing sector, according to ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP)—the company behind the design, financing, and development of the zone. Once fully developed and operational, the park is expected to create 45,000 direct jobs and attract $400 million in foreign direct investment (FDI), according to ARISE IIP CEO Shadi Sharfi. In 2022, the Government of Rwanda entered into a joint venture with ARISE IIP to develop the 335.67-hectare zone. The industrial park is being developed in three phases: Phase I covers 91.63 hectares and already hosts 18 factories, of which 12 are operational and six are still under construction. Phase II, covering 99.45 hectares, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Phase III, spanning 144.58 hectares, is scheduled for completion in early 2027. According to the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM), 70 percent of industries in Rwanda’s industrial parks are currently operational, while the rest are at various stages of development. Trade and Industry Minister Prudence Sebahizi recently said the government is targeting a 10 percent annual growth in industry and 13 percent in manufacturing. Rwanda aims to grow export receipts from the current $3.5 billion (about Rwf4.8 trillion) to $7.3 billion (around Rwf10 trillion).
