The African Development Bank (AfDB) has granted Rwanda $995,000 (over RWF 1.4 billion) to support the expansion of the Gabiro Agribusiness Hub and the Kivu Cold Group’s post-harvest cooling facility.
The government had previously invested $118 million in the first phase of the Gabiro project, which covers 5,600 hectares in Rwimiyaga and Karangazi Sectors, Nyagatare District. The expansion will extend the project to 10,000 hectares, nearly doubling its size.
Implemented with Israel’s NETAFIM Ltd, a company specializing in irrigation equipment, Gabiro Agribusiness Hub aims to establish agro-processing zones, install modern storage systems, and create centers connecting farmers with markets, enhancing value addition and reducing post-harvest losses.
Founded in 2021 by Rwandan and Japanese investors, Kivu Cold Group builds advanced cold storage facilities powered by renewable energy to further support agricultural development in sub-Saharan Africa.
On August 12, Minister of Agriculture Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe and AfDB Rwanda Country Manager Aissa Touré Sarr signed an agreement to assess the second phase of both projects and attract potential investors.
Aloysius Ngarambe, Managing Director of Gabiro Agribusiness Hub Ltd, said the study will determine resources needed for the second phase and support investment planning. The entire project will cover over 15,600 hectares, with the first phase nearly complete and set for government inauguration in September.
The second phase will also extend to Gatsibo District, attracting over $100 million (approximately RWF 145 billion) in investment.
