Rwanda’s untapped potential in industrial investment
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi, highlighted Rwanda’s abundant opportunities in industrial investment, emphasizing the availability of key raw materials like sand for glass manufacturing.
Speaking on the National Television, Minister Sebahizi stated that Rwanda possesses enough sand for glass production to last over 700 years. He remarked, “Even if we start mining today, it would take centuries to deplete.”
The Minister encouraged shifting focus from the high costs of importing goods to investing in value addition for local resources. He noted that such investments not only create jobs but also enhance the value of Rwanda’s exports and propel national economic growth.
According to the latest Industrial Production Index (IIP) report by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), released in early 2025, Rwanda’s industrial output grew by 14.7% in November 2024 compared to the same month in 2023. Year-over-year, the sector expanded by 8.6%.
Specifically, locally manufactured goods increased by 18.4% in 2024, driven by a 26.3% surge in food processing and a 16.6% rise in beverage and tobacco production.
Minister Sebahizi underscored that industries adding value to agricultural products—such as fruits, vegetables, tea, and coffee—as well as metal processing industries, have immense potential in Rwanda. He explained that these industries would have access to all the raw materials they need within the country.
“For instance, a steel manufacturing plant could use locally sourced minerals. Many of the minerals we export are unprocessed, which creates a huge opportunity for industries aiming to add value,” he concluded.