By Michel Nkurunziza
After completing Rwanda’s National Land Use and Development Master Plan (NLUDMP) for 2020-2050, the Government of Rwanda embarked on developing detailed land use plans for 27 districts and Kigali city.
According to the National Land Authority, 14 district land use plans have already been approved by the cabinet.
These plans include those for Kigali City, Huye, Muhanga, Gisagara, Nyagatare, Gicumbi, Rubavu, Musanze, Kirehe, Rulindo, Nyaruguru, Rwamagana, Gakenke, and Ngoma districts.
Eight district land use plans have also been validated by district councils and are now awaiting cabinet approval.
These include Bugesera, Rusizi, Karongi, Kayonza, Kamonyi, Ruhango, Gatsibo, and Nyamagabe, with approval expected soon.
Six other district plans are currently under development and are expected to be finalized by the end of 2025.
These plans cover Nyanza, Nyamasheke, Nyabihu, Rutsiro, Ngororero, and Burera districts.
Alexis Rutagengwa, the head of the Land Use Management and Mapping Department at the National Land Authority, provided an overview of the uniqueness of districts based on the completed land use master plans
Muhanga
Muhanga is set to become a prominent hub for mining, logistics, and regional trade.
With its strategic location, the district aims to strengthen its mining sector and position itself as a central player in regional trade and logistics.
Huye
Huye aims to be recognized as the “Knowledge, Culture, and Agribusiness Hub.”
The district plans to enhance educational opportunities, preserve cultural heritage, and promote agribusiness, making Huye a center for innovation and cultural exchange.
Gisagara
Gisagara envisions itself as a district focused on agriculture and sports development.
By prioritizing sustainable agricultural practices alongside sports infrastructure growth, Gisagara seeks to integrate physical activity with rural development.
Nyagatare
Nyagatare aspires to become “A vibrant commercial agriculture and dairy industry” hub.
The district aims to lead in agricultural innovation and dairy production, boosting local and regional economies.
Gicumbi
Gicumbi’s vision focuses on cross-border trade, agribusiness, and heroic tourism.
The district aims to leverage its proximity to international borders to enhance trade while celebrating its historical significance through tourism.
Rubavu
Rubavu aims to be a hub for agriculture, lakeshore tourism, and cross-border trade, emphasizing sustainable and green practices.
With its proximity to Lake Kivu, Rubavu seeks to become a leader in eco-friendly tourism and agricultural development.
Musanze
Musanze is positioning itself as the Centre of Excellence in Tourism.
With its natural beauty and proximity to Volcanoes National Park, the district is committed to strengthening Rwanda’s position as a top tourist destination.
Rulindo
Rulindo is envisioned as an “Agribusiness, Mining, and Stopover Transit Hub.”
The district seeks to enhance agricultural productivity, develop its mining sector, and become a key transit point for goods moving through the region.
Nyaruguru
Nyaruguru focuses on religious tourism and tea industry development.
The district is expanding religious tourism while boosting its thriving tea industry to strengthen the local economy.
Rwamagana
Rwamagana strives to become an agribusiness and industrial logistics hub.
The district focuses on agricultural development while facilitating industrial growth and logistical support for surrounding areas.
Gakenke
Gakenke envisions itself as a commercial forestry, agro-processing, and mining hub.
The district aims to capitalize on its natural resources by focusing on sustainable forestry, agro-processing, and mining industries.
Ngoma
Ngoma seeks to become a “Commercial-oriented agriculture and tourism” district.
The district plans to boost agricultural development while attracting tourists through its natural attractions.
Kirehe
Kirehe aspires to be a vibrant hub for agribusiness, cross-border trade, and tourism.
The district aims to develop its agricultural potential, foster trade with neighboring countries, and promote tourism.
Bugesera
Bugesera aims to be a center for knowledge, trade, sports, and tourism.
By combining educational initiatives with infrastructure development, Bugesera seeks to foster growth and innovation in these sectors.
Kamonyi
Kamonyi envisions becoming a center for sustainable extraction, agro-processing, and creative industries.
The district focuses on environmentally friendly extraction methods and local agro-processing industries alongside creative sectors.
Ruhango
Ruhango’s vision is centered around agribusiness, mining, and heritage tourism.
The district plans to combine economic development with the preservation of its cultural heritage, offering a unique blend of industry and tourism.
Kayonza
Kayonza is poised to become a hub for agribusiness, tourism, and mining.
The district intends to leverage its agricultural potential, attract tourists with its natural beauty, and develop its mining industry to enhance economic growth.
Rusizi
Rusizi focuses on agribusiness, cross-border trade, and tourism.
Strategically located near the border, the district aims to enhance regional trade while boosting agricultural productivity and tourism.
Karongi
Karongi envisions itself as an ecotourism and cross-border trade hub.
The district is committed to sustainable tourism practices while enhancing cross-border trade, particularly with neighboring countries.
Nyamagabe
Nyamagabe’s vision centers around becoming the “Basket of high-value crops and forestry economy.”
The district aims to lead in producing high-value crops and enhancing its forestry sector to drive economic growth.
Gatsibo
Gatsibo focuses on being “A Dynamic Center of Agribusiness and Tourism.”
The district plans to combine agricultural development with tourism to create a dynamic environment for both sectors.
Kigali City
Kigali, known as “Kigali yacu, Our Kigali,” envisions becoming the Centre of Urban Excellence.
As Rwanda’s capital, Kigali aims to foster growth in urban development, infrastructure, and services, setting the standard for excellence in urban living.
