Gabiro Agribusiness Hub (GAH) Limited

Gabiro Agribusiness Hub Ltd (GAH) is a transformative public-private partnership in Rwanda, designed to modernize agriculture, enhance food security, and attract private investment through advanced irrigation and infrastructure.

Overview and Ownership

GAH is a joint venture between the Government of Rwanda—represented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources—and Netafim Ltd, an Israeli leader in precision irrigation technology. The government holds a majority stake. The partnership was formalized in February 2019 through Joint Venture and Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) agreements to initiate Phase I of the Gabiro Agribusiness Hub Project, covering 5,600 hectares in Nyagatare District, with plans to expand to 15,600 hectares into Gatsibo District in Phase II .

Project Scope and Infrastructure

Located in Rwanda’s Eastern Province, GAH is situated in a sub-humid region with an annual rainfall of approximately 700mm. To address water scarcity, the project utilizes water from the Akagera River, implementing advanced irrigation technologies, including drip and sprinkler systems, to maximize water efficiency and crop yields .

Phase I encompassed the development of 5,600 hectares, featuring:

• Installation of six pumping stations and a 21-kilometer lined canal for water distribution.Construction of roads and power lines to support agricultural operations and community access.

• Establishment of demonstration farms and training centers to educate local farmers on modern agricultural techniques .

The project aims to expand to 15,600 hectares, with approximately 5,000 hectares ready for lease to interested agribusiness investors.

Community Impact and Investment

GAH dedicates 30% of its land to local communities, providing them with access to state-of-the-art irrigation infrastructure. This initiative not only enhances agricultural productivity but also serves as a catalyst for economic development. The project has led to the construction of modern villages equipped with reliable power and water supply, roads, and facilities for livestock production, directly benefiting the existing community .

The project has attracted significant global investment, with seven international companies committing over Rwf53 billion to the Gabiro Agribusiness Hub. These investments are expected to boost food security, reduce trade imbalances, and create over 6,000 jobs through advanced water infrastructure, cutting-edge irrigation, and agro-processing .

Strategic Goals

GAH aligns with Rwanda’s Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (2018–2024), aiming to:

• Double the irrigated land area from approximately 50,000 hectares to over 100,000 hectares.

• Reduce post-harvest losses from 16% to 5% or less.

• Decrease agricultural imports and promote the export of high-value crops.

• Facilitate competitive terms for foreign direct investment .