15 years of Rwandan steel: How SteelRwa has contributed to construction sector growth

SteelRwa Industries Ltd is marking 15 years of contributing to Rwanda’s industrialisation and construction sectors, a journey that has seen the company grow from the country’s first steel plant into a major manufacturer of reinforcement bars. The anniversary was celebrated on August 21 at Soy Asian Table, where the company brought together suppliers, transporters, logistics companies, traders, construction firms and other partners who have worked with it over the years. The event also featured performances by the Inyamibwa Cultural Troupe, highlighting what organisers described as home-grown achievement and resilience. ALSO READ: Rwamagana: SteelRwa donates iron sheets to vulnerable residents Jean-Emile Tousch, Director General of SteelRwa Industries Ltd, said the anniversary offered an opportunity to reflect on the company’s contribution to Rwanda while looking ahead to further expansion. “SteelRwa was the first ever Rwandan steel plant,” he said, noting that the company produces reinforcement bars by transforming scrap metal into steel products. He said the company’s growth has closely followed Rwanda’s expanding construction and infrastructure sectors. “This year, SteelRwa is celebrating 15 years. So, we have been building Rwanda for the last 15 years,” he said. SteelRwa currently produces at least 6,000 tonnes of steel per month, with its facilities capable of reaching about 10,000 tonnes when market demand allows. The expansion has also increased employment, with about 750 permanent workers, more than 700 of them Rwandan nationals. “For us, it is not only about producing steel,” Tousch said. “We have brought knowledge, technical expertise and quality.” The company has invested in training Rwandan workers and developing technical skills locally. Its production is supported by chemical and mechanical laboratories to test products and ensure they meet required standards. According to the company, its reinforcement bars follow British standards, with the general manager saying products manufactured in Rwanda are comparable to those available in European markets. Supplying Rwanda’s construction boom SteelRwa’s reinforcement bars have become a key component of construction projects across the country, supplying residential, commercial, industrial and infrastructure developments. Tousch said many major projects in Kigali have used the company’s products, citing the planned Kigali International Airport in Bugesera, the upgrading of King Faisal Hospital and two new financial business centres in Kiyovu, among other projects. “Almost all of them have been using our rebars,” he said. The company’s reach also extends beyond Rwanda. The general manager said SteelRwa is part of MMD Steel, whose operations span 10 African countries: DR Congo, Angola, Rwanda, Senegal, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali, Benin, Guinea and Burundi. He said the group’s expansion has been rapid, while SteelRwa remains focused on strengthening its position in Rwanda and contributing to the wider African steel industry. Cost pressures and Made in Rwanda drive Despite its growth, the company continues to face challenges linked to Rwanda’s landlocked position. Tousch said transporting raw materials and other inputs into the country raises production costs, while some neighbouring countries benefit from lower electricity and labour costs and different regulatory environments. He said these challenges reinforce the need to support local manufacturers as Rwanda advances its Made in Rwanda agenda. “We are always pushing to protect Made in Rwanda,” he said. “Not only SteelRwa, but all the industries of Rwanda.” He argued that local manufacturers should compete with imported products on a level playing field, particularly when it comes to environmental and quality requirements. Investing in cleaner production Environmental compliance has also been part of SteelRwa’s evolution. The general manager acknowledged that the company, as a heavy industrial manufacturer, has faced environmental challenges and has worked with the Rwanda Environment Management Authority to improve its operations. He said SteelRwa has continued to invest in technologies aimed at reducing emissions, including a $2 million environmental project currently under construction. “We have continued to invest,” he said, adding that engagement with environmental regulators has helped the company improve its operations. Expansion plans SteelRwa is now preparing for what Tousch described as another phase of growth. The company is discussing new investments with Rwandan institutions, with plans to increase production capacity, improve efficiency and diversify its product range. The general manager said the expansion could eventually lead to the development of a second factory. The company is also exploring newer technologies, with discussions involving equipment suppliers from Germany and India. SteelRwa intends to remain a leading player in Rwanda’s steel industry over the next decade, Tousch stated. “In 10 years, SteelRwa will still be leading in Rwanda,” he said. Beyond manufacturing, the company has also developed ties with communities around its Rwamagana plant. It has supported schools, health facilities and community housing initiatives, including supplying or sponsoring steel for houses built for vulnerable families. “Rwamagana has been developing with us, together. We have tried to support as much as we could,” he said. The general manager said the initiatives were part of the company’s appreciation for the community that welcomed its investment. As SteelRwa enters its next 15 years, its plans to expand production and technology come as Rwanda seeks to deepen local manufacturing and reduce reliance on imported industrial products. Its journey reflects the growing role of domestic steel production in supporting the country’s construction and infrastructure development.

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15 years of Rwandan steel: How SteelRwa has contributed to construction sector growth