The Ministry of Environment has been given a two-month deadline to explain a loss of more than Rwf1.32 billion arising from the failed implementation of a forest harvesting and restoration agreement signed between the Government of Rwanda and SEAL.
The issue was raised on Tuesday, March 4, 2026, as Members of Parliament sitting on the Committee on Land, Agriculture, Livestock and Environment examined the Auditor General’s report on forest management.
Presenting the findings, MP Speciose Ayinkamiye, Vice Chairperson of the committee, said weaknesses in the execution of the contract led to a loss amounting to Rwf1,238,244,838. She noted that delays and non-compliance with agreed obligations significantly undermined expected returns from state forest resources.
In 2018, the government signed a contract with SEAL to manage state-owned forests including Shara and Ntobo I, II and III located in the Southern and Western provinces. The company was mandated to harvest mature trees, add value to timber and ensure reforestation to sustain productivity.
However, the Rwanda Forestry Authority (RFA) reported that SEAL breached contractual terms. The company allegedly harvested Shariyo Forest in Rugabano Sector, Karongi District, in violation of legal procedures, failed to remit due payments to the government and did not pay rent for state-owned land.
Lawmakers were also informed that in 2023, trees were planted on 52.57 hectares in Ntobo I, II and III forests but were not properly maintained, further contributing to the loss.
Beyond the SEAL contract, the Auditor General’s report highlighted systemic weaknesses in forest governance. These include the absence of a dedicated land-use master plan for forests and national parks and incomplete data records on forest resources.
Nearly 10,000 hectares of forests across different districts reportedly lack clear data on tree species composition. In addition, there is no comprehensive database clearly distinguishing state-owned forests from privately owned ones.
RFA indicated that SEAL has agreed in principle to repay the funds, with discussions ongoing to determine the payment modalities and formally terminate the contract.
MPs directed the Ministry of Environment to provide a detailed explanation of the causes of the loss and outline concrete measures to recover the public funds without delay. They also called for strengthened monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to protect the country’s forest resources from further financial and environmental risks.
The Rwanda Land Authority said it is working with relevant institutions to develop dedicated land-use master plans for forests and national parks.
Meanwhile, RFA confirmed that a nationwide forest inventory and assessment of planted areas is underway. The exercise will inform the development of a Forest and National Parks Master Plan expected by June 2026, as well as a National Forest Management Master Plan scheduled for completion in December 2026.
