An Egyptian investor is looking to set up a leather manufacturing and processing factory in Rwanda according to local sources. The move is driven by what he calls a well organised sector and rising demand in regional and global markets.

Hesham Gazar is the Chief Executive Officer of Leather and More Company. He says Rwanda offers quality hides and a clear structure that can support footwear and value added products like gelatine, collagen and pharmaceutical inputs.

“I am impressed by the organisation within the Rwanda Leather Association and the potential of this sector for regional and international markets”

– Hesham Gazar, CEO, Leather and More Company

Gazar says he plans to work with local partners to build the factory. He expects to present a clear cooperation roadmap within one to four weeks. The final investment size will be known after this plan is ready.

He says the response from local players has been faster than expected. This has pushed him to move quickly not only in leather and shoemaking and also in related industries.

Jean d’Amour Kamayirese who leads the Rwanda Leather Association says the visit shows growing investor confidence. He links this to government reforms and better livestock management.

“We thank the government for creating an environment that attracts investors. The investor was assessing the availability of animal skins mainly from cattle goats and sheep which Rwanda has in good quality”

– Jean d’Amour Kamayirese, President

Rwanda Leather Association

Kamayirese says improved housing, feeding and disease control have raised skin quality. He adds that higher livestock numbers and better farming have strengthened supply and prices.

A kilogramme of cow hide that used to sell for Rwf100 (~USD0.07) now goes for about Rwf400 (~USD0.27) while a whole goat or sheep skin that sold for Rwf400 (~USD0.27) now fetches between Rwf1,300 (~USD0.89) and Rwf1,400 (~USD0.96) Jean added.

The interest comes as Rwanda prepares the Bugesera Tannery Park. The project is expected by 2029 with an investment of more than Rwf8.47 billion (~USD 5.81 million) to turn the country into a regional leather hub.

It also follows renewed Rwanda-Egypt ties after President Paul Kagame’s visit to Cairo in September 2025 where both countries agreed to deepen business cooperation.