Rwanda: Huye Forum Targets Growth in Pharma, Coffee, and Education
Leaders and investors gathered in Huye District to map out opportunities across key sectors, signaling a strategic shift toward decentralizing economic activity.
Huye, Rwanda — Public sector officials, private investors, and development partners convened in Huye on Wednesday 30 September 2026, for the Huye Investment Forum. The event aimed to position the district as a primary destination for capital injection, focusing on sustainable growth in education, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.
The forum underscored a broader national strategy to distribute economic vitality beyond the capital, Kigali. Jean-Guy Afrika, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), emphasized that the country’s financial health relies on robust secondary cities.
“Rwanda’s economy grows when we have strong economic centres across all districts and secondary cities,” Afrika said. He noted that Huye is uniquely positioned to leverage its existing strengths in higher education and pharmaceuticals to create jobs and improve local quality of life.
Ange Sebutege, Mayor of Huye District, opened proceedings by calling for tighter collaboration between the government, the private sector, and citizens. Sebutege argued that these partnerships are essential for transforming theoretical potential into tangible infrastructure and business projects.
Diversifying Value Chains
Presentations led by André Kamana, Huye Vice Mayor for Economic Affairs, and Ronald Kabagambe of the RDB outlined specific competitive advantages available to incoming businesses. A central theme was moving from raw production to value addition.
Brigitte Mukakarangwa, CEO of the KOGIMUWAKA Cooperative, highlighted the district’s coffee sector as a prime example. She advocated for investment in processing and branding rather than relying solely on bean exportation.
“Huye has an opportunity to build investment around its unique strengths… by moving beyond production and creating more value through processing, branding and strategic partnerships,” Mukakarangwa stated.
Innovation and Industry Expansion
Dr. Didas Kayihura Muganga, Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, pointed to the district’s academic institutions as a critical asset for investors. He suggested that bridging the gap between university research and commercial application—particularly in artificial intelligence—could accelerate local industrialization.
The forum concluded with an inspection of Labophar, a leading regional pharmaceutical manufacturer. During a site visit, RDB CEO Afrika reviewed the company’s expansion plans, which include a new facility dedicated to increasing the capacity for intravenous (IV) fluid production. This development marks a significant step in Huye’s emergence as a hub for medical manufacturing in the region.
