A strong call to accelerate the transition from investment potential to concrete results dominated discussions at the Gicumbi Investment Forum, as national and local leaders rallied stakeholders to fast-track project implementation in Gicumbi District.

Presiding over the forum, Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire underscored the urgency of transforming plans into tangible outcomes, pointing to ongoing progress in infrastructure, public services, and digital connectivity as a solid foundation for investment.

“Gicumbi has achieved important progress in infrastructure, service delivery, and digital connectivity, which are critical enablers for investment. The focus now must be on translating these opportunities into concrete projects through strong collaboration between Government, the private sector, and development partners,” she said.

The Chief Investment Officer at Rwanda Development Board, Umurungi Michelle echoed the call, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to facilitating investors through streamlined and investor-focused services, including the One Stop Centre. She emphasized that effective coordination remains key to overcoming barriers and ensuring that investments move efficiently from registration to implementation.

“We are committed to supporting investors at every stage, from project registration to implementation. Strengthened collaboration among stakeholders will be essential to address bottlenecks and ensure timely delivery of investments,” she noted.

At the district level, Mayor Emmanuel Nzabonimpa outlined a broad portfolio of opportunities, positioning Gicumbi as an emerging investment destination. He highlighted the district’s fertile land, favourable climate, and growing workforce as major assets driving opportunities in agriculture, livestock, agro-processing, tourism, and trade.

“Gicumbi offers diverse and competitive investment opportunities. With our natural resources, conducive environment, and expanding workforce, we are ready to welcome investors across key sectors,” Nzabonimpa said.

He further pointed to rising demand in real estate and hospitality, particularly in Byumba, where urban growth is creating opportunities for modern markets, hotels, and commercial services. Tourism potential was also highlighted, especially around Lake Muhazi and various cultural heritage sites.

“There is growing demand for modern infrastructure and services in Byumba town, including accommodation and commercial facilities. At the same time, tourism sites such as Lake Muhazi and our cultural heritage locations present strong, largely untapped investment opportunities,” he added.

The forum brought together stakeholders from government institutions, the private sector, and development partners, reflecting a shared commitment to ensuring that identified opportunities are not only promoted but effectively implemented to drive sustainable economic growth in Gicumbi.