Rwanda seeks international investor for Gako meat project

RWANDA – The Rwandan government is in the process of finding a major international investor to take over the Gako Meat Project in Bugesera District, with plans to finalize the deal by the end of 2025.

Gako Meat Project is a large-scale cattle farming and beef production initiative aimed at both local and export markets.

Didace Rushigajiki, the CEO of Gako Meat Company, stated that the government has set aside approximately 6,000 hectares of land for the project to expand domestic meat production while tapping into international markets.

In April 2024, the government acquired all shares previously owned by private investors, making Gako Meat Company a fully state-owned entity.

Authorities intend to sell the project as a single unit to an experienced investor with a strong financial background and established presence in global meat markets.

Rushigajiki explained that the project currently has over 6,700 cattle, with plans to scale up the herd to increase beef production.

To support this expansion, efforts are underway to boost fodder production and improve irrigation systems.

At present, 1,050 hectares of land are under irrigation, with 310 hectares planted with maize in December 2024, set to be harvested in April 2025.

An additional 700 hectares will be cultivated during the next farming season, from March to June 2025.

The project also plans to set up a feed factory to ensure a stable supply of livestock feed, with maize playing a key role in the production process.

Expansion Plans and Market Targets

Each month, around 500 cows from the project are ready for sale, contributing to Rwanda’s meat supply.

There are also long-term plans to establish a slaughterhouse to process meat for both local and international markets.

Initially, the project aimed to construct a feedlot capable of holding 56,000 bulls and a slaughterhouse with the capacity to process 300 cows per day.

However, the government has put the slaughterhouse construction on hold until a suitable investor is secured.

Infrastructure such as roads, electricity, irrigation, and pastureland is already in place, and the selected investor will be expected to develop additional facilities, including a slaughterhouse, a tannery, and a feed mill.

Rushigajiki highlighted that the farm’s location in Bugesera is advantageous, as it is near an international airport currently under construction, which will facilitate meat exports.

The project is working towards obtaining certification to meet global meat safety and quality standards, with East Africa and the Middle East identified as key markets.

Rwanda aims to increase its annual meat production from 207,097 tonnes in the 2023/24 fiscal year to 247,223 tonnes by 2028/29, representing a projected 20% growth.

The government expects that the Gako Meat Project will play a key role in meeting this target while positioning the country as a competitive player in the global beef market.

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