East African Granite Industries (EAGI), a leading tile manufacturer in Nyagatare District, announced plans to increase production and reduce prices to better meet growing demand in Rwanda’s construction sector.
During a visit Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva was briefed on the factory’s operations and capacity. Currently, EAGI produces about 480 square meters of tiles daily, just 48% of its 930-square-meter potential. The factory aims to nearly double that output to 1,945 square meters per day by early 2026.
Francis Kweli, EAGI’s managing director, said the company expects to reach 90% of its current capacity before year-end, with full expansion planned for the first quarter of next year. “We expect to reach 90% of 930 square meters before the year ends, then increase to 1,945 square meters in the first quarter of next year,” he said.
Kweli also outlined plans to innovate by reducing tile thickness from 20 millimeters to 12 millimeters to lower weight and costs. “Builders were hesitant to use our heavier tiles in high-rise buildings. Reducing weight will lower costs and make our products more appealing,” he said.
The factory employs 100 workers, including 96 permanent staff. About 10% work in mining, while 40% perform other factory tasks such as stone cutting and painting.
Prime Minister Nsengiyumva urged the factory to resolve electricity and machinery issues to reach full production. “Use your resources fully, operate at 100%, then seek further improvements,” he said. “It would be a problem to have equipment but not use it fully while competitors enter the market.”
Founded in 2012, EAGI was Rwanda’s first local tile manufacturer, helping reduce reliance on expensive imports from Tanzania and Kenya. President Paul Kagame officially inaugurated the factory on July 6, 2012, urging workers to adopt shift systems for round-the-clock production to meet expanding market demand.
