10 Rwanda's mega Projects to boost its economy in 2025

Category: Blog | Published: Thu, 16-01-2025

                    
As of January 2025, Rwanda is undertaking several significant infrastructure projects aimed at bolstering its economic growth and development. Here are ten notable mega projects:

Nyabarongo II Multipurpose Dam:
Duration: Construction began in April 2021, with completion expected by December 2025.
Cost: Approximately US$214 million.
Partners: Rwanda Energy Group and Sinohydro (main contractor).
Location: Shyorongi, Rulindo District, Northern Province.
Details: The dam will have a height of 48 meters and a length of 228 meters, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 846 million cubic meters. It is expected to provide irrigation water to about 20,000 hectares of land downstream and host a hydroelectric power station with an installed capacity of 43.5 megawatts.
Akanyaru Multipurpose Dam:
Duration: Construction was expected to begin in 2022, with completion anticipated by 2025.
Cost: Estimated at US$190 million.
Partners: Governments of Rwanda and Burundi, with funding sought from the African Development Bank.
Location: Akanyaru River, along the Rwanda-Burundi border, in Gisagara District, Southern Province.
Details: The dam is planned to be 50 meters high, creating a reservoir with a capacity of 333 million cubic meters. It aims to supply drinking water to approximately 614,200 people in both countries, provide irrigation water to about 12,474 hectares of agricultural land, and generate 14.5 megawatts of hydroelectric power.

Kigali Green Complex:
Duration: Construction commenced in January 2024, with completion expected by December 2027.
Cost: Not publicly disclosed.
Partners: Ultimate Developers Limited (a subsidiary of the Rwanda Social Security Board), Vavaki Architects, and Shelter Group of Qatar (main contractor).
Location: Central Business District, Kigali.
Details: This 29-story mixed-use development is set to become the tallest building in Rwanda. It will feature office spaces, retail areas, and parking facilities, and is designed to be the first Gold Rated LEED Green, Well, and Smart Mix-Use Complex in the country.

Bugesera International Airport:
Duration: Construction began in August 2017, with the first phase expected to be completed by 2026.
Cost: Projected at US$2 billion.
Partners: Government of Rwanda and Qatar Airways (holding a 60% stake).
Location: Bugesera District, approximately 25 kilometers southeast of Kigali.
Details: The airport is designed to handle seven million passengers annually in its first phase, with plans to expand capacity to 14 million passengers per year by 2032. It will feature a 30,000-square-meter passenger terminal with modern amenities.


Rwanda Innovation Fund:
Duration: Launched in 2020, with ongoing investments expected through 2025.
Cost: US$100 million.
Partners: Government of Rwanda, African Development Bank, and private investors.
Location: Kigali.
Details: The fund aims to support tech-enabled startups and innovative SMEs, fostering entrepreneurship and technological advancement in Rwanda.

Kigali Innovation City:
Duration: Construction began in 2019, with phased completion expected by 2030.
Cost: Estimated at US$2 billion.
Partners: Government of Rwanda, Africa50, and various private investors.
Location: Special Economic Zone, Kigali.
Details: This project aims to create a tech hub hosting universities, tech companies, biotech firms, and commercial centers, positioning Rwanda as a regional innovation hub.

Rwanda International Trade Fair Grounds Expansion:
Duration: Expansion works commenced in 2023, with completion expected by 2025.
Cost: Not publicly disclosed.
Partners: Private sector federation and international partners.
Location: Gikondo, Kigali.
Details: The expansion aims to increase exhibition space and modernize facilities to accommodate larger international trade events.

Rwanda Cultural Village:
Duration: Construction began in 2022, with completion expected by 2025.
Cost: Estimated at US$50 million.
Partners: Government of Rwanda and private investors.
Location: Nyanza District, Southern Province.