Rwanda reaffirmed its position as a leading African investment destination during the recent Rwanda Country Summit at the AFSIC: Investing in Africa 2025 conference in London, UK.
Co-hosted by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Kigali International Financial Center (KIFC), the session provided global investors with a comprehensive overview of the nation’s key opportunities, robust governance, and welcoming business environment.
The high-level participation from the Rwandan government underscored the nation’s commitment to private-sector-led growth.
H.E. Johnston Busingye, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, highlighted the stable and investor-friendly environment that has been systematically cultivated under the leadership of President Paul Kagame.
He noted that “the government’s proactive policy reforms and Vision 2050 goal, which is to transform Rwanda into a high-income country, are creating a predictable and rewarding landscape for foreign direct investment.”
Key factors that position Rwanda as an attractive hub, according to H.E. Busingye, include:
Political Stability and Good Governance: The country is known for its zero tolerance for corruption and highly efficient government systems.
Regional Gateway: Membership in the East African Community (EAC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) grants investors access to a regional market of 177 million citizens.
Business Ease: H.E. Busingye stressed that Rwanda consistently ranks among the top countries in Africa for ease of doing business, supported by streamlined processes like the 6-hour business registration service.
Highlighting Key Investment Sectors
Divine Nakanyange, the Head of Investment Marketing and Promotion at RDB, presented the diverse and high-potential sectors driving Rwanda’s economic growth.
She noted that the establishment of the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC) is pivotal to Rwanda’s strategy to become a regional financial hub. “The KIFC offers an internationally compliant framework and a range of corporate vehicles (like investment funds and holding companies) designed to attract global capital,” she said.
She also highlighted the recent performance on Rwanda’s capital market, saying it demonstrates strong investor confidence:
Bond Market Mobilisation: She revealed that RWF 246 billion was mobilised in 2025, with a 293% subscription rate.
Equity Market Growth: She pointed out that funds raised through private listings rose sharply to RWF 63.5 billion in 2025.
Agriculture and Agribusiness
A critical sector for the country’s economy, agriculture is attracting substantial private investment, particularly in climate-smart initiatives.
Nakanyange noted that Rwanda’s strategy focuses on transforming agriculture through increased climate resilience and productivity.
To achieve the set objective, Nakanyange stressed that the country’s investment plans focus on high-value and export-oriented products, including:
Tea and Coffee
Investments are planned for expanding cultivation, establishing research centers to improve yields, and building value-added processing facilities like blending plants.
Livestock
Opportunities exist in commercial poultry and livestock production to meet rising domestic demand, including establishing layer hatcheries, feed processing plants, and modern slaughterhouses.
Horticulture
According to Nakanyange, significant investments by the government of Rwanda target high-value exports like avocado and chilli peppers.
ICT and Technology
It was also observed during the Conference that Rwanda’s ambition to become a knowledge-based economy is driving rapid growth in the tech sector. Investment opportunities, according to Nakanyange, are prominent in mobile banking, e-commerce, software development, and other digital financial services, capitalising on the high penetration of mobile phones and internet access.
Tourism and Manufacturing
The rapidly growing tourism industry, bolstered by the “Visit Rwanda” campaign, offers opportunities in developing high-end accommodations and sustainable tourism ventures. The manufacturing sector, particularly in textiles, garments, and pharmaceuticals, is also set for growth, supported by special economic zones and incentives.
Investor Support and The RDB One-Stop Centre
A core element of Rwanda’s pro-business environment is the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Nakanyange highlighted the RDB’s role as a “one-stop center that provides comprehensive support throughout the entire investor lifecycle, from initial business registration to obtaining licenses and providing essential aftercare services.” She revealed that this dedicated support system ensures a smooth and efficient entry and operational environment for foreign companies.
The Invest Rwanda session at the Africa CEO Forum during the Conference explored Rwanda’s business environment and the available investment opportunities in manufacturing, financial services, tourism, mining, and agricultural sectors, providing a closer look at the key sectors highlighted at AFSIC 2025: Africa CEO Forum 2025: Investment Opportunities in Rwanda.