Economic zones
Special Economic Zones and Industrial Parks
Rwanda has two special economic zones, in Kigali and Bugesera, and eight industrial parks in the provinces, together about 1,661 hectares. The zones run under Law N°05/2011 and are regulated by the Special Economic Zones Authority of Rwanda (SEZAR) at RDB. More than 320 factories have been set up in them.
The two zones
| Kigali SEZ | Bugesera SEZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Area | 385 ha | About 330 ha |
| Companies, 2024/25 | 253 | 18 |
| Run by | Prime Economic Zones, under SEZAR | Public-private partnership with ARISE IIP |
| Notes | About USD 290 million of exports in 2025 | Approved in 2018; about 10 km from the new airport |
Source: Ministry of Trade and Industry: Annual Report 2024-2025; The New Times: Kigali’s industrial exports reach USD 290 million, 16 April 2026; ARISE IIP / Bugesera Special Economic Zone: BSEZ brochure; U.S. Department of State: 2026 Investment Climate Statement, Rwanda1,4,5,2
The industrial parks
The eight industrial parks, run by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, cover 946 ha. The seven with published figures hold 151 companies. Plots are requested online through IremboGov. Since February 2026, Ministerial Instructions say which kind of factory may go where: three sites take heavy industry and two parks are for agro-processing only.1,6,7
Getting in
- Land: leased only, for Rwandans and foreigners alike; in the Kigali zone the minimum plot is one hectare.
- SEZ user licence: from SEZAR, 17 published steps from the land lease to the licence, and a decision within three working days of a complete file.
- Export Processing Zone status: for companies exporting at least 80% of their output; duty-free plant, machinery and materials under customs control; application fee USD 2,500.
Source: U.S. Department of State: 2026 Investment Climate Statement, Rwanda; Rwanda Development Board: Business procedures, SEZ user licence; Rwanda Development Board: Business procedures, EPZ user licence; Rwanda Development Board: Manufacturing investment opportunities; Rwanda Development Board: Business procedures, payment of the EPZ application fee2,8,3,9,10
Watch out
The listed USD 50 per m² is a guide: some businesses have reported paying more than USD 100 per m² in the Kigali zone.2
Sources
- Ministry of Trade and Industry: Annual Report 2024-2025 (PDF)
- U.S. Department of State: 2026 Investment Climate Statement, Rwanda
- Rwanda Development Board: Business procedures, EPZ user licence
- The New Times: Kigali’s industrial exports reach USD 290 million, 16 April 2026
- ARISE IIP / Bugesera Special Economic Zone: BSEZ brochure (PDF)
- Ministry of Trade and Industry: RWF 10 billion boost for four key industrial parks
- Ministry of Trade and Industry: Ministerial Instructions N°001/INSTR/MINICOM/26 of 13/02/2026 relating to the establishment of industries (PDF)
- Rwanda Development Board: Business procedures, SEZ user licence
- Rwanda Development Board: Manufacturing investment opportunities
- Rwanda Development Board: Business procedures, payment of the EPZ application fee
Figures checked 9 November 2026. Prepared by InvestRwanda.com for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.
