Rwanda govt signs Rwf60 billion deal with Netafim to develop agribiz hub

A joint venture deal has been signed between the government of Rwanda and Netafim for developing the 5,600-hectare agricultural project in Eastern Province. Government through Rwanda Development Board has finalized Rwf60 billion (around USD 66.5 million) deal to accomplish the development.

Netafim, which is an Israeli irrigation technology firm, is dedicated to developing the Gabiro Agribusiness Hub Project in the Eastern Province of Rwanda. The Gabiro Agribusiness Hub Project intends to create a holistic and commercial agricultural ecosystem by developing modern value chain over an area of approximately 15,600 hectares of arable land with advanced water infrastructure, cutting-edge irrigation systems, high-value agro-processing operations and other agricultural technology activities across the value chain.

The project is likely to support the production of crops for local consumption (staple crops), export and agricultural value-added products such as pastes, powders, oils and beverages intended mostly for export, Rwanda Development Board’s official said.

In January 2019, the Cabinet Meeting approved the project that includes the development of the infrastructure for commercial farming in the area.