This renewed momentum was evident during the Gicumbi Investment Forum held on March 26, 2026, which convened district officials, investors, and development stakeholders in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board. The forum served as a platform to present a compelling case for investment across sectors such as agriculture, tourism, real estate, and cross-border trade.
Addressing participants, Gicumbi District Mayor, Emmanuel Nzabonimpa highlighted the district’s untapped potential, noting that its natural resources and demographic strengths provide a solid foundation for sustainable growth.
“Gicumbi is endowed with fertile land, a favorable climate, and a youthful population ready to drive transformation. What remains is scaling up investment to translate this potential into tangible economic gains,” he said.
The Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, emphasized that Gicumbi’s strategic location along the Rwanda–Uganda border places it in a unique position to benefit from regional trade and logistics.
“Gicumbi is not a distant opportunity, it is a present reality waiting to be harnessed. Its proximity to regional markets and improving infrastructure makes it an attractive destination for forward-looking investors,” she stated.
She acknowledged that while the district boasts natural advantages, including rolling hills and productive soils, these assets have yet to be fully leveraged to attract large-scale private investment.
Over the past years, the district has made notable progress in improving infrastructure, a move seen as critical in attracting investment. Major roads linking Gicumbi to other parts of the country, including the Kigali–Gatuna and Base–Rukomo–Nyagatare routes, have enhanced accessibility and trade.
Access to essential services has also improved significantly, with electricity coverage surpassing 80% and clean water reaching more than 90% of residents. These gains are complemented by investments in education and healthcare, including widespread TVET schools, health centers, and community health posts.
Despite these advancements, officials acknowledged that gaps remain particularly in hospitality and urban development. Limited accommodation facilities in Byumba continue to constrain tourism and business travel, prompting the district to designate investment sites in areas like Kibali and Nyagatoma to boost real estate and hotel development.
Tourism remains one of the district’s most promising yet underdeveloped sectors. Attractions such as Umurindi w’Intwari, the culturally significant royal sites of Rutare, the ecologically rich Rugezi Wetland, and Lake Muhazi present strong opportunities for eco- and heritage tourism.
Local stakeholders are advocating for more structured investments in preserving historical sites, including the creation of cultural museums to enhance tourism appeal and safeguard Rwanda’s heritage.
At the community level, residents say the gradual influx of investors is already making a difference. One resident from Bukure Sector shared how tourism-linked activities have improved livelihoods through expanded agricultural production and income generation.
Agriculture continues to be a cornerstone of the district’s economy, with initiatives like Green Gicumbi promoting sustainable practices such as tea cultivation while addressing environmental challenges like soil erosion.
Michelle Umurungi, Head of Investment at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), emphasized that Gicumbi offers a strong case for investors seeking long-term, sustainable returns.
“Investing in Gicumbi is not only profitable but also aligns with the country’s broader development agenda, especially in strengthening private sector contribution under NST2,” she said.
Looking ahead, district authorities plan to accelerate urbanization and infrastructure projects, including new road networks and planned developments in growth areas such as Nyagatoma and Cyamutara.
Data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda shows that Gicumbi is steadily improving in performance rankings, signaling a positive trajectory in socio-economic development.
As stakeholders concluded, the district’s transformation will largely depend on sustained collaboration between government and investors, with Gicumbi increasingly seen as a rising economic node in northern Rwanda.
