A new chapter has begun for the private sector in Rwanda’s Eastern Province, as newly appointed PSF chairperson Benedata Laurien steps into office with a clear and urgent mandate: accelerate the construction of two flagship modern markets that could redefine trade and investment across the region.
The projects Nyamata Modern Market in Bugesera District and Nyakarambi Modern Market in Kirehe District are not just infrastructure developments. They represent a broader ambition to transform how business is conducted in one of Rwanda’s fastest-growing regions.
During the official handover ceremony held over the weekend, outgoing leaders presented a detailed account of achievements and ongoing initiatives, but it was the unfinished projects that drew the most attention.
Among them, Nyakarambi market stands out as a major investment expected to cost over RWF 5 billion, while construction at Nyamata market is already about 70% complete.
“These are not ordinary markets,” one official present at the ceremony said quietly. “They are economic engines in waiting.”
For Laurien, the responsibility is immediate and significant.
“We are going to prioritize large-scale, joint investments, especially those linked to agriculture and livestock,” she said. “These sectors are the backbone of this province, and modern markets will connect farmers directly to better opportunities.”
Her remarks point to a deeper shift in how Rwanda’s private sector is evolving moving from fragmented individual efforts toward coordinated, high-impact investments.
On the ground in Nyamata, the transformation is already visible. Construction workers move steadily through the site, while nearby traders continue operating in temporary spaces, watching the progress with anticipation.
One vegetable vendor, who has been selling produce in the area for over a decade, described what the new market could mean for her business.
“Right now, when it rains, everything becomes difficult,” she said, arranging tomatoes on a wooden table. “We lose customers, and sometimes even our goods. But when this market is finished, we will work in better conditions. We will grow.”
Her words reflect the human reality behind the project beyond budgets and timelines, it is about dignity, stability, and opportunity.
The concept of joint investment, which Laurien emphasized, has been gaining traction in Rwanda but has largely been concentrated in Kigali. Large commercial buildings such as CHIC and MIC complexes initially faced skepticism, with many questioning their profitability.
“People didn’t fully understand collective investment at first,” Laurien noted. “But today, we see its value. Now it is time to bring that model here and make it work for our province.”
The early signs are encouraging. Projects like the Bugesera market development show that the model can succeed outside the capital, provided there is coordination and trust among investors.
Governor Pudence Rubingisa, who attended the handover, underscored the importance of continuity while urging the new leadership to move faster.
“We appreciate the work done by the outgoing committee,” he said. “But now the focus must be on accelerating development, especially in secondary cities that support Kigali.”
He also emphasized the role of recently approved urban master plans, which are expected to guide infrastructure expansion and ensure orderly growth.
“The plans are there,” he added. “What matters now is implementation.”
This emphasis on execution reflects a broader national priority. Rwanda has spent years building policy frameworks designed to attract investment and promote inclusive growth. The challenge now lies in translating those frameworks into tangible results, particularly in regions outside Kigali.
The Eastern Province is uniquely positioned in this regard. With its proximity to borders and its strong agricultural base, it has the potential to become a major commercial hub. However, that potential has often been constrained by limited infrastructure and fragmented markets.
Modern market facilities could change that dynamic.
By providing organized spaces, storage facilities, and improved logistics, they can reduce post-harvest losses, stabilize prices, and attract larger buyers. They also create an environment where small traders can scale their operations.
For farmers in districts like Bugesera and Kirehe, the impact could be transformative.
A maize farmer from the outskirts of Nyakarambi described the current challenges.
“Sometimes we harvest a lot, but selling is a problem,” he said. “You can spend days looking for buyers, and prices are not stable. If we have a proper market, things will improve.”
His experience highlights a critical link in Rwanda’s development strategy the connection between production and markets. Without efficient systems to move goods, even increased agricultural output cannot fully translate into income growth.
That is why these projects are being closely watched, not only by local communities but also by policymakers and investors.
The previous PSF committee leaves behind a legacy that includes not just infrastructure, but also social initiatives. Among the notable contributions were the donation of 380 cows to families affected by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, a gesture that combined economic support with social solidarity.
Such initiatives have reinforced the role of the private sector as a partner in national development, extending beyond profit to community impact.
For Laurien, building on that legacy means balancing ambition with inclusivity.
“Development must involve everyone,” she said. “When businesses grow, communities should grow with them.”
Back in Nyamata, as the sun sets over the construction site, traders begin packing up their goods. The unfinished structure looms nearby, a symbol of what is yet to come.
For many, the wait has been long, but the expectation remains strong.
“We just want it to be completed,” the vegetable vendor said before leaving. “That is when our lives will truly change.”
As Rwanda continues its push toward economic transformation, projects like these serve as a reminder that progress is often built step by step through concrete, steel, and the determination of people who see opportunity where others once saw limitation.
The coming months will test the new leadership’s ability to deliver on its promises. But if the momentum is maintained, the Eastern Province could soon emerge as a model for regional development driven not only by policy, but by the everyday efforts of its people.
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