A new landmark is set to rise in Rubavu District, transforming the site of the old Gisenyi market into the tallest building in Rwanda’s Western Province. The ambitious project, spearheaded by Rubavu Investment Company Ltd (RICO Ltd), is valued at 14 million US dollars, equivalent to more than 20.3 billion Rwandan francs.
The modern development will be built by Beijing Qingkang Rwanda Construction Engineering Company Ltd, a Chinese construction firm known for large-scale projects across Africa. Construction is expected to take 18 months and will begin shortly after the inauguration of the new Gisenyi market.
According to project plans, the building will feature nine floors—excluding an underground level—and will house a mix of commercial spaces, apartments, and a hotel. It will be accessible from three main roads and equipped with elevators and escalators to ensure easy movement throughout the building.
Habarurema Antoine, Deputy Managing Director of RICO Ltd, said the project reflects the company’s vision to support Rubavu’s fast-growing urban landscape and attract new investment to the district.
“This is a modern project that meets all required standards,” Habarurema said. “It will include a hotel, apartments, and large shopping areas. The building will use solar energy and feature a sustainable water treatment system that recycles wastewater to protect the environment. We want Rubavu District to develop in all aspects, and that’s why we initiated such a large-scale project.”
Once completed, the building will stand as a new symbol of Rubavu’s transformation and economic potential. Officials from Beijing Qingkang Rwanda Construction Engineering Company Ltd confirmed that it will be the tallest structure in the Western Province, setting a new architectural milestone for the region.
