Rwanda is undergoing a significant transformation in its mining sector, aiming to shift from small-scale operations to becoming a regional mineral processing hub in Africa. This shift is crucial as mining has now become Rwanda’s largest export revenue earner, surpassing even tourism. The country boasts significant mineral wealth, ranking among the world’s top producers of tin, tantalum, and tungsten, along with exporting gold, lithium, and gemstones.
In recent years, Rwanda’s mineral export revenues have seen impressive growth, reaching $1.1 billion in 2023 from $772 million in 2022. The government’s ambitious target is to hit $1.5 billion in annual mineral exports by 2024. However, challenges persist as most mining operations in Rwanda are still artisanal or small-scale, with a focus on raw mineral concentrates over processed metals.
To address this, Rwanda is focused on attracting international investments and modernizing the industry. Infrastructure improvements, including an enhanced road network and plans for rail connections to Indian Ocean ports, are in the works. With incentives for mining projects and a priority status for the sector, Rwanda is laying the groundwork for a successful mining transformation despite potential social and environmental challenges.