RWANDA – The Government of Rwanda has outlined a series of agricultural investment opportunities worth US$785 million, with a substantial portion allocated to the expansion of the livestock and meat production sectors.
Announced under the FAO Hand in Hand Initiative, these projects are designed to meet rising demand for animal products both within Rwanda and across East Africa.
Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Hon. Ildephonse Musafiri, shared details on the livestock-focused projects, which total US$169.8 million in investments.
The funds will support developments in poultry and pig farming, aimed at increasing domestic supply while catering to neighboring markets.
The plan includes establishing a hatchery for layer chickens, a breeding farm, a feed processing plant, and feed storage facilities.
Model farms are also planned to enhance poultry and pig production practices across Rwanda.
These investments come as demand for meat and animal products continues to climb in the region.
In addition to meat production, the government is investing US$40.2 million in commercial beef production systems, with designated development areas in the Gako and Gabiro agri-hubs.
The beef-focused projects include cattle restocking initiatives, construction of a modern slaughterhouse, and establishment of an animal feed mill, alongside facilities for processing hides and skins.
These developments are part of Rwanda’s broader agricultural transformation goals, which prioritise job creation, food security, and sustainable production.
Rwanda’s investment portfolio also spans tea, potatoes, and horticulture, sectors that align with the nation’s strategy to diversify and modernize its agricultural outputs.
For instance, A total of $289 million will go toward expanding tea cultivation to meet global demand.
The plan includes producing 300 million tea seedlings, developing tea farms on an additional 17,000 hectares, and establishing a new tea factory in Nyamagabe District.
Additionally, an investment of US$222.3 million will support avocado and chilli pepper production, including US$40.5 million to develop avocado orchards and US$181.8 million to increase chili production.
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