The Bugesera Special Economic Zone (BSEZ), a dedicated industrial park in the Eastern Province, is targeting to add $1.2 billion in value to Rwanda's manufacturing sector. This is according to ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP), a company that designs, finances, conceives and operates industrial ecosystems across Africa, and currently operates the Bugesera industrial park. “BSEZ is set to play a transformative role in boosting Rwanda's industrial sector, with a target of more than 75 industries established within the zone,” Nafisa M. Sharfi, Marketing Head of ARISE IIP, told The New Times. Once fully developed and occupied, Sharfi said the industrial park is expected to create 45,000 direct jobs, attract $400 million in foreign direct investment (FDI), and boost the industrial contribution to Rwanda’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 8.15 per cent. In 2022, the government entered a joint venture agreement with ARISE IIP to develop the Bugesera special economic zone, which occupies a total area of 335.67 hectares. The industrial park is currently being developed in three phases; Phase I spans 91.63 hectares and has already set up 18 factories. Of the 18 factories, 12 are operational, while 6 are still under construction, according to officials at ARISE IIP. Phase II, which covers 99.45 hectares, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, and Phase III, which spans 144.58 hectares, is slated for completion by early 2027. Karasira Richard, an economist, said the Bugesera industrial park will play a crucial role in Rwanda’s industrialization strategy, attracting investments, creating jobs, and fostering economic diversification. “Its development is key to achieving long-term growth, enhancing global competitiveness, and driving the country towards its vision of becoming a middle-income economy,” he said. Karasira also indicated that the industrial park will benefit from excellent logistics and transportation links, which makes it ideal for industries that rely on efficient import-export operations, such as manufacturing, logistics, and technology. “Its proximity to Kigali and major regional markets will also allow businesses in the SEZ to access both local and international markets efficiently” he noted. The Bugesera special economic zone is part of Rwanda’s efforts to promote industrialisation. Last year, the industry sector contributed 22 per cent of Rwanda’s GDP, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR). The government’s target is to reach 24 per cent in 2035, and further to 33 per cent in 2050. In August this year, a ten-year industrial policy was approved by the cabinet. The new policy aims to contribute to Rwanda's Vision 2050 by accelerating structural transformation and enabling the development of a competitive and export-oriented private sector. The policy, running from 2024 through 2034, seeks to improve industrial capabilities in export-oriented industries, increase the level of investment and access to finance, and develop technology, science and innovation capabilities. It also seeks to build the required infrastructure and spatial planning, as well as support environmental sustainability and green growth.
