After years of dormancy, Rwanda’s long-held land parcels in Djibouti, Kenya, Tanzania, and the Central African Republic may finally be edging toward productive use, as feasibility studies conclude and investor engagement intensifies.
Acquired over several decades, these plots meant to facilitate trade, logistics, and private sector growth have remained largely idle despite their strategic potential. But according to the Ministry of Trade and Industry, that status is set to change.
“We are currently awaiting formal submission of detailed business proposals from prospective developers,” said Doreen Ntawebasa, Director General of Trade and Investment. She confirmed that studies in Djibouti and Tanzania were completed earlier this year, with Kenya’s still underway in Naivasha.
The plots include 12.8 hectares at Kenya’s Mombasa Port (gifted in 1986), 17.5 hectares in Tanzania’s Isaka dry port zone (1984), and 60 hectares near Djibouti’s major ports (awarded in 2013 and 2017). Each site has been assessed for commercial infrastructure including cold storage, freight stations, and warehousing facilities.
Private sector leaders say clarity on ownership and investment structures remains critical.
“It requires clear direction from government whether it’s public, private, or a partnership approach so we know the path forward,” said businessman Robert Bafakulera, advocating for collective investment models to overcome financial and operational hurdles.
Walter Hunde Rubegesa of the Private Sector Federation echoed the call for streamlined allocation processes. Meanwhile, Abdul Ndarubogoye, head of TransAfrica Ltd, noted that a freight station in Mombasa could drastically reduce customs delays and shipping costs if realized.
While some progress has been made in CAR where Rwanda’s private sector has already established operations investors report persistent challenges ranging from bureaucracy to irregular levies. One Rwandan entrepreneur in CAR revealed investing over Rwf3 billion in agriculture and livestock, despite lacking formal land deeds for 38,000 hectares acquired.
Government officials have yet to respond to requests for comment on CAR-specific concerns.
Still, hopes are rising as three investment groups two led by Rwandans signal readiness to develop the dormant properties, pending final approval.
With feasibility complete and investor interest now surfacing, Rwanda’s decades-old dream of leveraging foreign land for trade may soon turn a page from planning to implementation.
