Construction and Building Materials in Rwanda
The sector in figures
| Indicator | Figure |
|---|---|
| Construction value added, 2025 | RWF 2,503 billion |
| Share of GDP, 2025 | 10.7% |
| Growth, 2025 | +11% |
| Growth, second quarter of 2026 | +24% |
| Non-metallic minerals, mainly cement, growth 2025 | +35% |
Cement and building materials
CIMERWA at Bugarama in Rusizi district is Rwanda’s only integrated cement producer, with a capacity of 600,000 tonnes a year. It is listed on the Rwanda Stock Exchange. After the expansion of its plant, its revenue for the half year to March 2026 rose 51% to RWF 106.15 billion.
Construction materials are one of the product groups the Made in Rwanda policy aims to supply locally instead of importing. Steel, roofing, tiles, paint and fittings are still partly imported, which leaves room for local plants.
Where the demand is
- Housing: the Ministry of Infrastructure, citing a 2019 study, put Kigali’s need at about 310,000 new homes by 2032. The City of Kigali Master Plan gives a higher estimate, about 350,000.
- Bugesera International Airport: a USD 2.6 billion project due to open in 2028.
- Industrial buildings in the special economic zones and industrial parks.
- Roads, water and public buildings under the national plan NST2, including new hospitals and schools.
Real estate, manufacturing and mining were the three largest sectors for investment registered with RDB in 2025.
Working as a contractor
Building permits are applied for online through the national Building Permit Management Information System (BPMIS). Public works are tendered on Umucyo, the e-procurement system of the Rwanda Public Procurement Authority, where foreign firms can register and bid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is construction growing?
It grew 11% in 2025 and 24% in the second quarter of 2026. It produced 10.7% of GDP in 2025.
Who makes cement in Rwanda?
CIMERWA at Bugarama in Rusizi district, the only integrated cement producer, with a capacity of 600,000 tonnes a year. It is listed on the Rwanda Stock Exchange.
How many new homes does Kigali need?
The Ministry of Infrastructure, citing a 2019 study, put Kigali’s need at about 310,000 new homes by 2032; the City of Kigali Master Plan estimates about 350,000.
Where are building permits and public tenders handled?
Building permits through the online BPMIS system. Public works are tendered on Umucyo, the e-procurement system, where foreign firms can register.
Sources
- National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda: GDP national accounts, second quarter of 2026, tables
- National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda: GDP national accounts, second quarter of 2026
- National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda: GDP national accounts 2025
- CIMERWA: Company website
- Rwanda Stock Exchange: CIMERWA results for the half year to March 2026
- Ministry of Infrastructure: Efforts to solve the housing deficit and upgrade informal settlements
- U.S. Department of State: 2026 Investment Climate Statement, Rwanda
- Rwanda Development Board: Strong performance across investment, exports and tourism in 2025
- Building Permit Management Information System: Home page
- Rwanda Public Procurement Authority: Umucyo e-procurement
- City of Kigali: Kigali Master Plan, implementation plan
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.
