Jean-Guy Afrika the Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has urged investors and private-sector players to explore ways of turning the investment opportunities available in Huye District into concrete projects that can drive investment and accelerate economic development at both district and national levels.
Afrika made the remarks on 30th September 2026 during an investment forum that brought together investors and private-sector representatives from Huye and other parts of the country. The forum aimed to showcase investment opportunities in the district and explore ways of harnessing them sustainably.
He said the objective of the forum was not only to highlight investment opportunities but also to identify practical ways of turning those opportunities into viable projects, while encouraging existing investors in Huye to expand their operations.
Afrika stressed that investment development should not focus solely on attracting new investors. He said equal attention should be given to supporting existing businesses so they can expand their operations, add value to their products and services, and access new markets.
“Investment development is not only about attracting new investors. It should also support those already operating here to grow, expand their businesses, add value, and access new markets,” he said.
The RDB Chief Executive Officer noted that, under Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), the country has set a target of increasing private investment from US$2.2 billion in 2024 to US$4.6 billion by 2029.
He explained that achieving this target will require attracting new capital while also making better use of the investment potential and opportunities available across different parts of the country.
Data presented at the forum showed that Rwanda registered 799 investment projects in 2025, with a combined value of US$2.6 billion.
Ange Sebutege Huye District Mayor said the district has a wide range of investment opportunities, supported by the development infrastructure and activities already established in the area.
“Huye has a wide range of investment opportunities and activities. It is a major centre for education and culture, with more than 20,000 students studying at the University of Rwanda. We have also a leading coffee-producing area. Over the past two years, our coffee has ranked among the best in the country, demonstrating the strong investment potential built on the development we have already achieved. This is an important opportunity to showcase the investment opportunities available in our district and to attract investors who can help us further unlock Huye’s potential. He said.
The role of universities in preparing a skilled workforce was also discussed during the forum. RDB emphasized the need to strengthen collaboration between higher-learning institutions, industries and private-sector companies so that the skills and knowledge acquired by students are better aligned with labour-market needs.
The approach is also intended to harness the potential of Huye’s large student and youth population and enable them to contribute more effectively to investment and economic development in the district. Manufacturing was another area identified as having investment potential in Huye, particularly the pharmaceutical sector. The forum highlighted Labofar, a pharmaceutical company operating in the district, as an example of investment activity in the sector.
CEO OF RDB said the pharmaceutical industry presents opportunities for further investment as Rwanda continues to promote manufacturing and economic activities that create greater value for the country. Tourism was also identified as another sector with potential for further development in Huye. The district can leverage its natural resources, cultural heritage, history and other attractions to draw more visitors and create additional opportunities for investors.
