Bugesera records $1.7bn worth of investment in eight years

Since 2018, more than 330 investment projects have been registered in Bugesera District, with a combined value of $1.7 billion, according to Juliana Kangeli Muganza, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). ALSO READ: Bugesera industrial zone targets 70 factories Speaking at the Bugesera Investment Forum on Friday, June 26, Muganza said these investments created more than 20,000 jobs. As Kigali continues to expand, Bugesera is emerging as a natural extension of the capital city, with the capacity to support not only Kigali but also the wider region, she said. In the first few months of 2026 alone, an additional 41 projects worth $27 million were registered, and they are expected to generate more than 1,600 jobs. Confidence in Bugesera is no longer based on aspirations—it is already evident in tangible developments. The upcoming international airport, with the capacity to handle eight million passengers and more than 150,000 tonnes of cargo annually, will enable Rwanda to attract more airlines, expand its connections to international markets, and facilitate the movement of both passengers and goods, she said. The Bugesera Special Economic Zone, covering 330 hectares, is already providing a glimpse of the economy Rwanda aspires to build. ALSO READ: Rwf13bn construction, sanitary factory opens in Bugesera Today, the zone is home to industries producing fertilisers, footwear, hygiene products, construction materials, and other manufacturing businesses that add value to products made in Rwanda. Muganza noted the proposed Airport City project in Bugesera aims to develop an integrated urban centre where complementary activities create new investment opportunities. These include the construction of a convention and exhibition centre capable of hosting up to 5,500 delegates, the development of sports and entertainment facilities suitable for regional and international competitions and concerts, as well as investment opportunities in hotels, retail, restaurants, and other hospitality services, she said. She noted that there are also significant opportunities in agriculture and logistics through the development of an agri-hub and logistics hub, making use of the airport's cargo-handling capacity. Other opportunities include cold storage facilities, agro-processing, and the export of products to international markets. The Airport City will also strengthen transport, trade, and investment, positioning Bugesera as a regional hub for tourism, air cargo, sports, international conferences, and commercial activities. ALSO READ: Smart airport city, Formula 1 circuit among 10 projects poised to change Bugesera In agriculture, more than 2,000 hectares of irrigable land provides a strong foundation for investment in horticulture, fruit production, agro-processing, cold-chain storage, and animal feed manufacturing. Post-harvest losses remain significant, highlighting substantial opportunities for investors. In the industrial sector, the district already has 69 industries. We are seeking further investment in agro-processing, poultry farming and poultry products, aquaculture and fish processing, packaging materials, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and other value-addition industries that enhance products before they reach the market, she added. Richard Mutabazi, the Mayor of Bugesera, noted that the district's location at the Intersection of Eastern Province, Southern Province and the City of Kigali makes it a strategic investment destination in different sectors such as agriculture, housing, tourism, hospitality, agro-processing and others. Laurien Benedata, Chairperson of the Private Sector Federation (PSF) in the Eastern Province, commended the construction of the road linking Ngoma District to Southern Province, saying it presents significant investment opportunities in logistics and transport for the private sector.

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Bugesera records $1.7bn worth of investment in eight years