RWANDA Trends and Developments Contributed by: Aimery de Schoutheete and Penina Ngabire, Liedekerke Great Lakes
ing the mining sector) must factor environment and climate change into the development and implementation of their policies, strategies, plans, and programmes. On the other hand, all work related to exploration and mining must undergo a full environmental impact assessment, which closely examines the impact of the project on the environment and must be backed by a plan for the future rehabilitation of the licensed area. After the issuance of the licence, all work related to mining must also undergo an environ - mental audit (EA) conducted by an independent expert. The Rwandan authorities have also made it clear that any deviation from environmental rules will not be tolerated. For instance, the RMB announced in November 2023 that it has revoked 13 mining licences (either by cancella - tion or non-renewal) after inspections revealed serious shortcomings in safety, environmental and labour standards, as well as in fulfilment of investment commitments. The RMB also announced in January 2024 that it had cancelled additional seven mining licences for failure to comply with industry standards. Revision of the Legal Framework and Centralisation of Services in the One Stop Centre The RMB started in 2023 and is currently working with stakeholders to strengthen environmental obligations in the mining sector and to address some loopholes that have been identified over the past few years. In this regard, Rwanda’s main priority is to ensure that licensees comply with health, environmental and safety standards.
In addition, Rwanda has streamlined administra - tive procedures for (new) investors. Since 2024, the RDB’s One Stop Centre (OSC) became the single point of contact for every mining investor, receiving all administrative requests, from licens - ing to investment incentives, and co-ordinating with the relevant authorities. 2025–2035: A Decisive Decade for the Rwandan Mining Sector With a revamped legal framework, modern infrastructures and an investor friendly climate, Rwanda has paved the way for attracting mining investors. Rwanda now hopes to capitalise on its efforts to radically transform its mining sector, by mecha - nising and modernising what is presently an artisanal industry, and by increasing the num - ber of value-adding processing plants within its borders. According to Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) 2024 – 2029, Rwanda expects to grow its mining sector and seeks to double its mining revenues by 2029. If investors flock to the country in the years to come and the government delivers on its com - mitments, Rwanda will undoubtedly be able to rely on its mining industry to support its rapid economic growth and restore its trade balance.
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