Kigali Innovation City (KIC) is a flagship, mixed-use smart innovation hub being developed in Kigali, Rwanda in accordance with Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST1) and Vision 2050.
The project is managed by real estate developer the KIC Company (KICL).
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Africa50, an investment bank for infrastructure in Africa, is the co-developer and co-sponsor of the project on a 50/50 basis. The company is working alongside the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), a government investment company, for the development of the project.
The urban master plan for the project was unveiled in December 2021 and the infrastructure works began in 2022.
In May 2024, an implementation agreement (IA) was signed by Africa50 with RDB and the government of Rwanda (GoR), granting exclusive rights to develop, operate, and commercialise KIC, marking the next phase of the project development.
KIC aims to attract technology companies to Rwanda, bolstering the nation’s innovation ecosystem, positioning it as a leading pan-African hub, and propelling its transformation into a knowledge-based economy.
It is anticipated to create more than 50,000 jobs and produce more than 2,600 students each year, contributing to the pool of tech-savvy entrepreneurs in Rwanda and across Africa.
Kigali Innovation City master plan details
KIC will span a total area of 61 hectares (151 acres) owned by the GoR within Kigali’s Special Economic Zone.
KICL is responsible for commercialising the project by developing assets and leasing land to external developers for further development, under the KIC master plan. The GoR provided the necessary shared infrastructure to KICL.
Africa50 will structure the project as a public-private partnership (PPP) together with a strategic sponsor that is yet to be selected. Other investors may also join in the later stages of the project.
The phased implementation of the master plan is strategically designed to align with the project’s objectives and demand forecast. The initial phase of the master plan development will primarily focus on the construction of horizontal infrastructure, including roads, drainage systems, street lighting and walkways.
The project also includes the development of the Digital Innovation Precinct that will cater to technology companies, while another section of the precinct will provide residential facilities for employees working within the KIC companies.
Kigali Innovation City details
The KIC mixed-use project will feature Grade A offices, research and development facilities, start-up business incubators and dedicated spaces for retail, hospitality and accommodation.
The hub will offer a range of commercial and real estate options, including business hotels, retail areas, student housing, residential apartments, villas, and townhouses, all surrounded by open green spaces.
The initial phase of the project includes the development of a mixed-use first building and a visitor centre. The first building will be situated on a 4,347m² (46,791ft² ) plot within a 6,036m² area. It will feature Grade A office space and serve as an incubator for start-ups, along with retail spaces spanning six floors.
Currently, KIC is home to two universities, Carnegie Mellon University Africa and the Africa Leadership University, with the University of Rwanda Centre of Biomedical Engineering and E-health under development. Plans are also in place to accommodate additional universities in the future.
In addition, KIC will serve as a hub for technology companies and biotech firms, with pharmaceutical manufacturer Cooper Pharma already established within the premises.
Financing
The project is estimated to cost approximately $2bn with an investment of approximately $300m in the first phase of construction focusing on infrastructure.
Africa50 plans to invest $400m in the project, with a particular emphasis on the real estate sector. About $315m of the investment will be directed towards the development of retail and commercial complexes.
The project has received backing from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa which invested $20m to bolster the development of essential infrastructure at KIC in the project’s initial phase.
The feasibility study for the project was financed through a grant from the US Trade and Development Agency, the project preparation agency of the US government.
Sustainability features
KIC’s master plan integrates smart facility management solutions and green principles into its transportation, building design, construction and management.
The project will incorporate green and sustainable design guidelines, a wastewater treatment plant and green spaces to mitigate atmospheric damage and excessive heating.
Contractors involved
Africa50 appointed Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), a real estate services company based in the US, as the lead delivery partner for the project. JLL provides comprehensive project management and cost management services, covering the entire project cycle including procurement of contractors, design management, project and budget monitoring, and site supervision.
NXTKey, an IT service management company, is the technology partner for the KIC project.
