Rwanda Senators Call for Industrial Land Repossession from Investors Who Breach Agreements

Rwanda’s Senators have called on the Ministry of Trade and Industry to speed up the process of repossessing industrial plots from investors who fail to honour agreements to develop them. The issue was raised in the Senate during discussions on government efforts to remove obstacles affecting the development of industrial parks across the country. Minister of Trade and Industry Antoine Marie Kajangwe told lawmakers that the government has already started taking back land allocated to investors who purchased industrial plots but failed to use them for their intended purpose. He revealed that

Rwanda’s Senators have called on the Ministry of Trade and Industry to speed up the process of repossessing industrial plots from investors who fail to honour agreements to develop them. The issue was raised in the Senate during discussions on government efforts to remove obstacles affecting the development of industrial parks across the country. Minister of Trade and Industry Antoine Marie Kajangwe told lawmakers that the government has already started taking back land allocated to investors who purchased industrial plots but failed to use them for their intended purpose. He revealed that six plots have so far been repossessed and are being prepared for new investors who have the capacity to develop them. Five of the plots are located in the Rwamagana Industrial Park, while one is in Musanze Industrial Park. However, Senator Uwera Pelagie said the number remains too small compared to the amount of government land lying unused in different industrial zones. Senator Uwizeyimana Evode also urged the ministry to expand the operation beyond Rwamagana, saying many investors across the country hold industrial land without plans to build factories. “Some people acquire industrial plots without plans to establish factories, waiting for the value of the land to increase so they can resell it later. This issue requires urgent action,” he said. Minister Kajangwe explained that industrial investors sign agreements with the government outlining deadlines for construction and development. “Every investor who owns land in an industrial park signed an agreement showing when construction should begin and the period given to complete development. Those who fail to meet these obligations, including those who fail to pay agreed fees to the government, can lose their plots,” he said. The minister added that the government has a list of investors who have exceeded agreed timelines without starting construction and that more repossessions are expected soon. The recovered plots will be allocated to capable investors who can develop industries, create jobs and contribute to Rwanda’s economic growth.