Bugesera Special Economic Zone reaches 85% occupancy in its first phase

The first phase of the Bugesera Special Economic Zone (BSEZ) is about 85% occupied, Rwanda Dispatch reported on 19 August 2026, citing officials who appeared before the Senate Committee on Economy and Finance.

The zone is a public-private partnership between the Government of Rwanda and ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms, with a combined investment of about US$100 million. ARISE IIP holds 60% and the government 40%. It covers about 335 hectares in Gashora Sector, Bugesera District, about 56 km from Kigali and close to the new international airport under construction.

Rwanda Development Board chief investment officer Michelle Umurungi said the zone attracted about US$100 million in approved investment in its first phase, with internal roads, water, wastewater and electricity networks in place. BSEZ project and operations manager Pushpendra Kumar said 12 companies are operating, with 1,500 to 2,000 jobs, and five more firms are building. Sectors include agro-processing, construction materials, packaging, textiles, timber, beverages, pharmaceuticals and light manufacturing. The zone also hosts Rwanda's e-waste collection and recycling facility.

When fully developed, BSEZ is expected to host more than 75 industries and about 45,000 direct jobs. Kumar said attracting companies remains a challenge because some industries still operate outside designated parks, and there are no incentives aimed specifically at firms that locate in the zone.

The Bugesera Special Economic Zone guide on this site covers plot terms, the licensing steps and the incentives available to zone users.