Rwanda has officially launched the $2 billion Kigali Innovation City, a groundbreaking smart city development designed to position the country as Africa’s premier technology and innovation hub, the Rwanda Development Board said in an emailed statement.
Backed by the Government of Rwanda, Africa50, and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), the 61-hectare project aims to attract global investment, foster digital entrepreneurship, and drive economic diversification through cutting-edge research, education, and innovation.
Kigali Innovation City, is set to transform Rwanda’s economic landscape by creating a vibrant ecosystem for digital entrepreneurs, businesses, and students. The city will host top-tier universities, startup incubators, and accelerators focused on disruptive fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
Once completed, the project is expected to reach a value of $2 billion, generate $150 million in annual ICT exports, and attract over $300 million in foreign direct investment (FDI).
Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Édouard Ngirente, emphasized the significance of this development, highlighting Africa’s transition from technology consumption to production.
The KIC project, a public-private partnership involving Africa50, Rwanda Development Board, and BADEA, is poised to become one of the largest smart cities in Africa. It is designed to bridge the continent’s digital divide and accelerate digitalization efforts. Dr. Conrad Tucker, Director of Carnegie Mellon University-Africa, highlighted KIC’s ambition to develop Africa’s first trillion-dollar business, establishing it as a fertile ground for large technology companies.
Rwanda Development Board, Chief Executive Officer, Francis Gatare, described the groundbreaking as a “critical moment in Rwanda’s journey to becoming a leader in technology and innovation on the continent,” he said.
Africa50, Chief Executive Officer of Alain Ebobissé, commended Rwanda’s progressive policies and vision, which provide stability and incentives for businesses and investors. He noted that KIC’s development “de-risks this investment, increases its attractiveness to private investors, and supports universities in producing world-changing talent and technologies.”
Rwanda’s Minister for ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, called for the development of globally competitive products and industries at KIC, aiming to cement Rwanda’s position as a key player in the global digital economy. Ibrahima Cheikh Diong from BADEA stressed the importance of South-South cooperation and international capital mobilization to ensure the project’s success.
The ceremony also featured remarks from Lou Major, Managing Director of Ansys East & Southern Africa, and Craig Clulow, CEO of Kigali Innovation City Company Ltd, further reinforcing KIC’s potential to serve as a catalyst for Africa’s technological future.
