Rwanda has pinned high hopes on Kigalis special economic zone (SEZ) and four industrial parks, which have a capacity of housing more than 700 industries
Industrial development director in the trade and industry ministry, Seth Kwizera, said the fledging manufacturing sector in the country is largely depending on development of the SEZ and industrial parks.
“With these parks, it will be easier for investors to get land and other services such as infrastructure and energy which will cut down on costs,” said Kwizera.
The parks, which are in validation phase, will be located in Bugesera, Huye, Nyabihu and Rusizi districts.
The estimated cost to construct the 200 hectare Bugesera Industrial Park has been placed at RWF 16 billion (US$26.7 million). The Huye, Rusizi and Nyabihu industrial parks, which will be 50 hectres each, have been estimated to cost RWF 8 billion (US$13.4 million), RWF 11 billion (US$18.3 million) and RWF 10 billion (US$16.7 million) respectively.
The industrial zone would be implemented in three phases, where the first two phases would cover some 277 hectares, while the rest would cover approximately 134 hectares.
“The SEZ will help the country compete regionally or use it as a gateway to several other African countries,” said Sumit Manchanda, officer-in-charge of global special economic zones for the World Bank Group.
