ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP), a developer of Bugesera Special Economic Zone in the Eastern Province, has secured a $52 million loan (approximately Rwf75 billion) to accelerate the establishment of infrastructure required by investors. ALSO READ: Bugesera special economic zone targets to create $1.2bn in industrial value “In partnership with Bank of Kigali, we have signed a $52 million loan facility with Bugesera Special Economic Zone Ltd—backed by ARISE IIP—to accelerate Rwanda’s industrial transformation,” the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) said in a social media post. According to the bank, the 335-hectare project is designed to meet high environmental and efficiency standards, making it a bold investment in sustainable infrastructure and green growth. ALSO READ: Bugesera tannery park set to generate $430m annually In 2022, the Government of Rwanda and ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP), a pan-African company that designs, develops, finances, and operates industrial ecosystems across Africa, entered into a joint venture to develop the Bugesera Special Economic Zone. The government holds a 40 per cent stake, while ARISE IIP owns 60 per cent. The industrial park aims to contribute $1.2 billion in value to Rwanda's manufacturing sector, targeting the establishment of over 75 industries within the zone. Once fully developed and operational, the park is expected to create 45,000 direct jobs, attract $400 million in foreign direct investment (FDI), and boost the industrial sector’s contribution to Rwanda’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 8.15 per cent. ALSO READ: 70% of industrial parks operational as gov’t woos more investors The development is being carried out in three phases. Phase I, covering 91.63 hectares, has already seen the establishment of 18 factories—12 of which are operational, while six are still under construction, according to officials at ARISE IIP. Phase II, spanning 99.45 hectares, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, while Phase III, covering 144.58 hectares, is scheduled for completion by early 2027. The Bugesera Special Economic Zone is one of the four priority industrial parks the government is developing as part of its industrial agenda. Other parks include Rwamagana, Musanze, and the Kigali Special Economic Zones. They are expected to play a role in achieving the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).
