Manufacturing and Made in Rwanda
The main branches
| Branch | Value added 2025, RWF billion | Growth 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Beverages and tobacco | 579 | — |
| Food | 477 | +9% |
| Chemicals, rubber and plastics | 242 | +24% |
| Non-metallic minerals, mainly cement | 159 | +35% |
| Metal products, machinery and equipment | 147 | +21% |
| Textiles, clothing and leather | 133 | −1% |
| Furniture and other manufacturing | 122 | — |
| Wood, paper and printing | 86 | — |
| All manufacturing | 1,944 | +10% |
Growth continued at 10% in the second quarter of 2026.
The Made in Rwanda Policy
The Made in Rwanda Policy of 2018 has five pillars:
- Strategies for priority sectors.
- Lower costs of production.
- Better quality and standards.
- Stronger links between local suppliers and industry.
- A change of mind-set in favour of local products.
A Made in Rwanda Secretariat at the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) coordinates the work, with RDB leading on market access and the Rwanda Standards Board on quality.
Industrial Policy and export targets
The Industrial Policy 2024–2034 sets out MINICOM’s plan for higher-value industry. Under NST2, total exports are to grow from USD 3.5 billion to USD 7.3 billion by 2029.
In 2024/25 domestic exports rose 16%, and MINICOM issued 10,218 export certificates.
Where factories locate
Factories can set up in the Kigali Special Economic Zone, the Bugesera Special Economic Zone or the provincial industrial parks, which offer serviced plots with power and water. Firms that export most of their output can also apply for export processing zone status.
Frequently Asked Questions
How large is manufacturing in Rwanda?
It added RWF 1,944 billion in 2025, 8.3% of GDP, and grew 10%.
What is the Made in Rwanda Policy?
A 2018 policy to replace imports with local products. A secretariat at MINICOM coordinates it, with RDB leading on market access and the Rwanda Standards Board on quality.
What is the export target?
Under NST2, total exports are to grow from USD 3.5 billion to USD 7.3 billion by 2029.
Where can a factory set up?
In the Kigali or Bugesera Special Economic Zones or the provincial industrial parks. Firms that export most of their output can apply for export processing zone status.
Sources
- National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda: GDP national accounts, second quarter of 2026, tables
- National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda: GDP national accounts 2025
- Ministry of Trade and Industry: Unpacking NST2 targets that hinge on industrialisation
- Ministry of Trade and Industry: Annual Report 2024–2025
- National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda: GDP national accounts, second quarter of 2026
- Ministry of Trade and Industry: Stakeholders pledge joint delivery on the Made in Rwanda agenda
- Ministry of Trade and Industry: Made in Rwanda Secretariat
- Ministry of Trade and Industry: Policies
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.
