What Foreigners Must Know Before Investing in or Acquiring Land in Rwanda

Jean Claude Nshimiyimana, a Commercial Lawyer with ENS Rwanda.

Rwanda’s rapid development and business-friendly environment have attracted increasing foreign interest in real estate and agricultural investments. However, the country’s land rights framework is complex and uniquely shaped by its history and development goals. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the legal framework surrounding land ownership, acquisition, and utilisation in Rwanda, with a focus on foreign investors. Historical Context and Recent Reforms Rwanda’s land tenure system has undergone significant transformations since the 2004 National Land Policy and the 2005 Organic Land Law. These reforms aimed to address historical inequalities, promote efficient land use, and provide security of…

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About the Author

Jean Claude Nshimiyimana is the Corporate and Legal Services Lead at Andersen Rwanda. A member of the Rwanda Bar Association, he excels in advising and representing clients on commercial aspects of Rwandan law, which include trademarks, business structuring, company and NGO registration and de-registration, mergers and acquisition, real estate acquisitions, employment law and data protection and privacy, fintech and regulatory compliance. He is fluent in English, Kinyarwanda, French and Kiswahili and can be reached via +250788921438.