Rwanda inaugurates first steel processing plant

Rwanda launched its first steel manufacturing plant Friday, set to boost the country's production of local products and reduce steel imports.

Rwandan Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva inaugurated the A1 Iron and Steel Rwanda Ltd. in the industrial park in Musanze District, northern Rwanda.

In his remarks, Nsengiyumva said the government expects the factory to produce products which will be competitive both locally and regionally.

He commended the private sector investors for their role in Rwanda's industrial development.

The factory makes finished steel products, including iron bars, nails, barbed wires, pipes, and various other construction products.

Information from the factory indicates that the plant that started operations in April this year would process about 250,000 tonnes of steel annually and create around 1,000 direct and 2,500 indirect jobs.