An Egyptian investor is exploring plans to establish a leather manufacturing and processing factory in Rwanda, citing strong sector organisation and growing opportunities in international markets. Hesham Gazar, the Chief Executive Officer of Leather and More Company, said the country’s organised leather sector and access to quality hides present opportunities in footwear making and production of such as gelatine, collagen and pharmaceuticals. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s leather value chain gets Rwf1.4bn boost “I am impressed by the organisation within the Rwanda Leather Association and the potential of this sector for regional and international markets,” Gazar said. “My aim is to partner with local stakeholders to establish a leather factory here. Within one to four weeks, I hope to present a clear roadmap for cooperation.” Gazar said he would be able to estimate the size of the proposed investment after developing the roadmap. He noted that his visit had exceeded expectations, describing strong interest from local actors and readiness for collaboration. ALSO READ: From animal to market: Understanding the leather value chain “Before coming to Rwanda, I did not imagine how quickly things could move,” he said. “The level of interest I have seen has pushed me to move fast, not only in leather and shoemaking, but also in gelatine, collagen and other related industries. Rwanda also has raw materials we can source, including hides, as well as products such as tea, coffee and meat.” Jean d’Amour Kamayirese, president of the Rwanda Leather Association, said Gazar's visit reflects growing investor confidence in the sector, supported by government reforms and improved livestock management. ALSO READ: Investors eye leather factories as Rwanda pledges to establish tannery park “We thank the government for creating an environment that attracts investors,” Kamayirese said. “The investor was assessing the availability of animal skins, mainly from cattle, goats and sheep, which Rwanda has in good quality.” He attributed the quality of hides and skins to improved livestock rearing practices, including proper housing, disease prevention and timely feeding. “When livestock are well cared for, the skin quality improves. Preventing parasites is important because damaged skins lose value during processing,” he said. Kamayirese added that rising livestock numbers and better farming practices have strengthened the supply base, while the establishment of a large-scale factory would significantly boost the sector. He noted that prices of Rwandan hides have increased since market barriers outside the East African Community were lifted. “A kilogramme of cow hide that used to sell for Rwf100 now goes for about Rwf400, while a whole goat or sheep skin that sold for Rwf400 now fetches between Rwf1,300 and Rwf1,400,” he said. “This has made farmers and traders happier, as they are now earning fairer prices.” The Egyptian investor’s visit comes as the government prepares to develop the Bugesera Tannery Park, expected to be completed by 2029. The project will involve an investment of more than Rwf8.47 billion and is aimed at positioning Rwanda as a regional hub for leather processing and manufacturing. Gazar’s interest comes amid renewed Rwanda-Egypt engagement following President Paul Kagame’s official visit to Cairo in September 2025, where the two governments reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation. During the President’s visit, business leaders from both countries convened in Cairo for the inaugural Egypt-Rwanda Business Forum, which brought together investors and entrepreneurs from a wide range of sectors including real estate, construction, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and agriculture.
