President Paul Kagame Monday officially opened the first and only pre-cast concrete factory in the country which aims to not only improve the quality of infrastructure but also reduce the building period and save money.

The factory named AfriPrecast is located in Masaka sector, Kicukiro District and was an investment from Rwandan businessman, Alex Bayigamba, who is also the chairman of the company.

The factory will produce fireproof concrete materials such as walls, pillars among other construction materials ensuring durability of materials, safety, aesthetics and quality.

Speaking during the launch of the factory yesterday, President Kagame described the investment as "very valuable addition to Rwanda’s industrial sector”.

"I want to congratulate you and thank you for having thought of this factory that brought us here today,” the President said.

In addition to boosting the construction sector, this factory is set to employ over 1000 employees in its first phase and impart new skills to the workers.

"You intended to make money with your investment and help us and we assure you that you shall achieve both” Kagame said, encouraging private sector guests present to think about other project such as electricity.

Bayigamba thanked the president for his support of a business friendly environment that continues to encourage various investments.

The factory has acquired over 15 hectares of land and intends to expand to produce more products.

"Today is a special day for us as we are launching the first factory in Rwanda and in Africa. It will promote construction materials and ensure quality, this will also cut down the cost of production and save time as a house that would be constructed in two years can be constructed in ten months,” he said.

Bayigamba said he was optimistic he would get the returns on the investment as he had started serving clients such as Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA) and Horizon Construction Company.

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