Rwanda to Launch Second Phase of Gabiro Agricultural Development Project

By The Inspirer.

GABIRO – The Gabiro Agri Business Hub is set to begin the second phase of its large-scale irrigation and farming project, which will cover 10,000 hectares, following the completion of the first phase. The initial stage will be officially handed over to the government in September 2025.

Backed by a $118 million investment from the Government of Rwanda, the first phase was implemented by Israeli irrigation technology firm NETAFIM Ltd. It covered 5,600 hectares in the Rwimiyaga and Karangazi sectors of Nyagatare District.

Under the scheme, 1,600 hectares were allocated to local farmers, 3,724 hectares were leased to private investors, and more than 300 hectares were set aside for infrastructure development.

According to Gabiro Agri Business Hub CEO Aloyz Ngarambe, the project is now 98% complete. Seven investors are already cultivating maize, beans, vegetables, and fruits on the developed land.

“We are now conducting a feasibility study for the next stage,” Ngarambe said. “We have secured funding for the study and expect that in three months, contractors will begin the work. Depending on the scope, the study could take six months to a year, after which we will immediately roll out the next phase.”

The first phase of the project has created jobs for 6,000 people, marking a major step toward Rwanda’s goal of transforming its agricultural sector through modern irrigation and commercial farming.