Senators have called on the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) to accelerate the relocation of residents living near industrial zones and strengthen infrastructure in industrial parks, in a bid to boost the contribution of manufacturing to Rwanda’s economic transformation.
The call was made during a session on April 17, 2026, where Senators engaged Minister of Trade and Industry Prudence Sebahizi on the performance of industrial parks and their role in advancing national development goals under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).
Lawmakers raised concerns over continued human settlement within or near designated industrial zones, warning that such proximity could create health and safety risks, particularly where factories emit pollutants.
Senator Dr. Frank Habineza cited the Kigali Special Economic Zone in Masoro, noting that residential houses still exist in areas bordering industrial operations.
He cautioned that communities living close to industrial activity, especially in areas exposed to emissions, could face environmental and health challenges, urging government to address the issue comprehensively.
In response, Minister Sebahizi said government is actively working to resolve settlement-related challenges around industrial parks through structured relocation and zoning enforcement.
He explained that affected cases fall into different categories, including residents relocated before industrial development, those who settled near existing industrial zones, and others located within planned industrial areas.
“We are addressing these situations step by step depending on how communities are situated around industrial zones,” he said.
Sebahizi also clarified that Masoro industrial zone does not permit factories that emit harmful gases, given its mixed-use environment, adding that the presence of social infrastructure such as schools is managed under existing planning frameworks.
The session also focused on Rwanda’s industrial growth trajectory and whether it aligns with NST2 targets aimed at expanding domestic manufacturing and reducing import dependency.
The minister acknowledged that while industrial output is increasing, challenges remain in accelerating the sector’s full potential.
He noted that in 2025, industrial production grew by 12.4%, contributing significantly to national economic performance, but stressed the need to further expand local production capacity.
Sebahizi emphasized that increasing domestic manufacturing remains central to reducing imports, creating jobs, and strengthening Rwanda’s industrial base.
Under NST2, government has prioritized the development of key industrial parks in Kigali, Bugesera, Rwamagana and other areas, with continued investment in infrastructure to attract investors and enhance production efficiency.
