Rwanda’s Senate has raised concerns over the growing number of industrial zones across the country, warning that poor coordination could contribute to rising land prices and affect other land-use priorities.
The concerns were raised on Monday during a government presentation on plans to improve infrastructure and services in industrial zones.
Rwanda has 10 major industrial parks classified as national-level zones, but senators questioned the expansion of smaller industrial areas created by districts and the City of Kigali.
Senator Laétitia Nyinawamwiza said Kigali alone had about 30 locations identified as industrial zones, raising questions about whether the land allocation was properly coordinated.
“In many places, we found areas being called industrial zones. In Kigali alone, we were told there are 30 such areas,” she said.
Nyinawamwiza questioned whether designating large areas for industrial use could affect other priorities such as housing, agriculture and forestry.
Senator Evode Uwizeyimana also raised concerns about factories operating outside designated industrial areas, saying industries should comply with land-use plans in the same way as individuals.
“There are industries built among residential communities that should be in industrial zones. If a citizen builds in an unauthorised area, action is taken. Why should industries be treated differently?” he said.
Trade and Industry Minister Antoine Marie Kajangwe acknowledged the concerns, saying the government had recognised the challenge of scattered industrial development.
“Having 30 industrial zones in one city like Kigali is too many, and we are beginning to spread our efforts,” he said.
Kajangwe said the government had decided that each district should have one industrial zone, while Kigali would have five due to its size.
He said concentrating industries in fewer zones would make it easier to provide infrastructure such as roads, electricity and water, while improving oversight.
The debate comes as Rwanda seeks to expand manufacturing and attract investment, with officials saying better-planned industrial zones will be essential to support the country’s economic transformation.
