Rwanda’s Gabiro Agribusiness Hub is poised to receive substantial investments totaling over Rwf53 billion from seven firms spanning across different countries. This initiative, as revealed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), aims to bolster the nation’s food security and address the trade balance by ramping up its agricultural exports.
Located in Nyagatare and Gatsibo districts of the Eastern Province, the Gabiro Agribusiness Hub is a collaborative effort between the Government of Rwanda and Netafim, an Israel-based global leader in irrigation technology.
The project encompasses the development of a comprehensive commercial agricultural ecosystem spanning approximately 15,600 hectares of arable land. This includes the implementation of advanced water infrastructure, cutting-edge irrigation systems, high-value agro-processing operations, and various agriculture technology activities.
During the 19th National Dialogue Council – Umushyikirano, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Ildephonse Musafiri, disclosed that the initial phase of the project has already attracted investments exceeding Rwf100 billion, primarily for the development of 5,600 hectares within the Gabiro Agribusiness Hub. Notably, this has enticed large-scale investors set to cultivate up to 1,000 hectares of land.
The entities and their respective investments, allocated acreage, and targeted crop ventures within the Gabiro Agribusiness Hub are as follows:
1. EA Agro:
– Origin: Romania and Bulgaria
– Acreage: 978 hectares
– Investment: Over Rwf16 billion for maize, soybean, wheat, and vegetable cultivation over five years.
2. Kinvest:
– Origin: Rwanda
– Acreage: 523 hectares
– Investment: More than Rwf18.8 billion for chili, soybean, and macadamia cultivation over five years.
3. Western Seed Company:
– Origin: Kenya
– Acreage: 898 hectares
– Investment: Rwf2 billion earmarked for maize seed production over five years.
4. Green Fresh:
– Origin: Rwanda
– Acreage: 432 hectares
– Investment: Rwf1 billion projected for maize, maize seeds, soybean, and French bean cultivation over a one-year period.
5. Agropark Gabiro:
– Origin: Rwanda
– Acreage: 615 hectares
– Investment: Exceeding Rwf10 billion for maize and chili cultivation over five years.
6. Garden Fresh:
– Origin: Rwanda
– Acreage: 196 hectares
– Investment: Rwf388 million allocated for French bean, passion fruit, chili, and avocado cultivation over one year.
7. Flock House:
– Origin: Zimbabwe
– Acreage: 282 hectares
– Investment: Rwf4 billion slated for butternut, potato, lemon, strawberry, and pea cultivation over three years.
Minister Musafiri emphasized that the project is anticipated to yield significant implications for Rwanda’s agriculture sector and its overall economy, including heightened productivity through the adoption of improved farming practices and the creation of over 6,000 job opportunities within the project’s sphere. Furthermore, he confirmed that farming activities under the project are scheduled to kick off on March 31, 2024.
This colossal endeavor represents a groundbreaking farming model that promises economic empowerment for Rwanda while laying the groundwork for future expansion across the nation.
