Rwanda: A leather industrial park soon to be established in the Bugesera district
A strategic project to enhance the value of the animal industry
The Rwandan government aims to strengthen the livestock value chain by launching an industrial park dedicated to leather processing. This complex will be set up on 20 hectares in Bugesera over the next two years, according to statements by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi, relayed by The New Times on March 25.
Production geared towards exports and the local market
Although the amount of the investment has not yet been disclosed, the project plans to reach an annual production capacity of 9 million square feet of leather, or around 836,000 m². This production will be used to supply local and international markets, contributing to a better valorization of livestock resources.
Key infrastructure to attract investors
To realize this vision, the government intends to mobilize a substantial budget, in particular for the construction of a wastewater treatment plant and basic infrastructure. These facilities are essential to attract private investors, particularly those with expertise in leather processing.
“We’re also working on bringing in experienced investors in this field,” says Prudence Sebahizi.
A response to the current under-utilization of leather
At present, the processing of animal hides in Rwanda remains very limited. The country has just one tannery, located in Huye, which processes only around 5% of national hide production. The government hopes to reverse this trend by creating a complete industrial ecosystem around the leather industry.
In addition, the authorities are aiming for a significant increase in hide production, with a target of 48,000 tonnes by 2030, compared with just 6,000 tonnes at present.
Major economic potential for the country
According to data from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Rwandan leather industry could generate up to $430 million in revenues per year, compared with around $3 million at present. The project is therefore part of a broader strategy of industrial transformation and export diversification.
Conclusion
The future leather industrial park in Bugesera illustrates Rwanda’s determination to stimulate local industrialization and create new economic opportunities for breeders and investors. By bridging the processing gap in the sector, this project could well become an engine of growth for the Rwandan economy in the years to come.and the civilian population, which is at the heart of today’s concerns.
