Rwanda seeks investors for Bugesera tannery park
The Rwandan government is seeking investors to develop a tannery park in the Bugesera Special Economic Zone, according to reports in local media.
The project, aimed at reducing reliance on imported tanned hides and boosting the local leather industry, was initially announced in 2021 by the Ministry of Trade and Industry but faced delays due to funding shortages. The planned facility, including effluent treatment, requires a $15.1 million investment.
Fred Mugabe, Director General of Industry Promotion, confirmed that land has been allocated in Bugesera District, and a business case has been completed. The government is in talks with potential investors, and the African Development Bank (AfDB) will fund broader feasibility studies.
Rwanda's textile sector faces challenges, such as limited access to raw materials, leading many industry players to rely on imports. The "Made in Rwanda" policy aims to strengthen local production and reduce the trade deficit.
