Members of Parliament have called for sustained efforts to address challenges facing industries operating below their production capacity, in order to enhance productivity and strengthen Rwanda’s competitiveness in international markets.
The call was made , on 09 June 2026, during deliberations following the presentation of the Industrial Policy 2024–2034 by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi. The policy aims to accelerate Rwanda’s economic transformation through the development of competitive industries, increased value addition to locally produced goods, and enhanced participation in regional and global markets.
The ten-year policy seeks to strengthen the industrial sector by boosting productivity, promoting innovation and technology adoption, increasing exports, and attracting investment that supports job creation and sustainable economic growth.
During the discussions, MPs observed that effective implementation of the policy would significantly contribute to Rwanda’s ambition of building an industry-led economy. They emphasized the need to address the high cost and limited supply of utilities such as water and electricity, as well as to improve supporting infrastructure to enable industries to operate more efficiently and competitively.
Members of Parliament also highlighted the importance of prioritizing industries that rely on locally sourced raw materials, noting that this approach would strengthen domestic value chains, increase value addition, and reduce dependence on imported inputs. They further underscored the need to safeguard workers’ rights and improve employee welfare, stressing that a skilled and motivated workforce is essential for sustainable industrial growth