The construction manufacturing sector is expected to boost Rwanda’s labour market with 3,084 jobs this year, according to Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

Statistics from the government agency show that a total 11,797 jobs are expected from 109 investment projects that were registered in 2009.

RDB says that registered investments in construction, manufacturing and real estate sectors are expected to generate some 6,868 jobs in 2010, representing 58.2 percent of the total jobs expected from unexecuted registered businesses.

"In 2010, RDB will focus on increasing the investment levels through improving the investment climate,” Claire Akamanzi, RDB’s Deputy CEO in charge of Business Operations and Services said.

According to RDB, a total of 8,648 jobs were created in 2009 on the back of 58 operational investment projects registered in different sectors of the economy.

Figures show that 3,253 jobs are projected from non-operational investment projects registered in 2009 where 8, 000 jobs are expected from 59 local projects.

Last year’s major investments included America’s Contour global, German’s SAG and Luxemburg’s Millicom which operates under the Tigo brand.

They also include South Africa’s Rutongo mines, Tanzania’s Bakhresa grain milling and a local market shopping centre.

Other major foreign deals signed include USA’s Ecofuel’s biodiesel/jatropha project, New Century hotel and the Kigali Convention centre.  Local major investment expansions in 2009 were done by Real Contractors, Cimerwa, Kitabi Tea Company and Banque Populaire.

RDB says that the investments, both local and foreign, helped to generate $1.1 billion.

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