A decade of building growth in Rwanda

Leading East African planning, design, architecture and engineering practice FBW Group is celebrating its 10th anniversary in Rwanda as it looks to further build its presence in the country.

And as it marks the milestone the business is committed to continuing to play its part in the nation’s development, nurturing Rwandan talent and having a key role in sustainable projects across a wide range of sectors.

FBW is also heavily involved in the development of a circular economy in Rwanda and it is at the forefront of work to recycle more resources and the use of natural local materials in building projects to achieve that aim.

FBW’s business ethos is closely aligned with Rwanda’s Vision 2050 economic strategy. Paul Semanda, FBW Group’s Rwanda country director, said: “Over the past decade we have worked hard to establish ourselves as a major multi-disciplinary practice, making a positive contribution to Rwanda’s development through a range of projects.

“We are committed to supporting the aims of Vision 2050, and that includes developing local talent, as well as working on developments to improve healthcare, education and infrastructure.

“As we move forward the importance of a circular economy will continue to grow as Rwanda, like other countries in Africa, works to meet the challenges of fast-growing urban centres and populations with a need for self-expression and global participation.”

Since the opening of its office in Kigali a decade ago, the FBW team has worked to help deliver several high-profile projects in Rwanda – with more in the pipeline.

FBW has recently completed a masterplan and extension for a medical university in Butaro and luxury hospitality lodges in Musanze, northern Rwanda, committed to environmental, sustainable conservation and local community engagement.

The group has also delivered several mixed-use city developments, including a retail, commercial and transport hub in Kigali and a signature library building for the Kigali Institute of Science and Technology.

It has also been involved in the creation of special ‘trade and logistics clusters’ near borders and points of entry with regional countries, with advanced ‘plug-in’ industrial units in the special economic zones.

And FBW engineers played a major role in the creation of ‘the Lord’s of East Africa’ – Rwanda’s internationally acclaimed national cricket stadium.

Other notable FBW Rwandan projects include designs for new affordable housing estates, creating living spaces with more than 3,000 homes.

FBW looks to incorporate the Rwandan identity and unique culture into its design work, along with delivering sustainable, green developments.

The group’s 10th anniversary in Rwanda comes amid growing European Union interest in the country and increasing investment support for green sustainable projects, an area the practice remains at the forefront of.

Paul Semanda said: “The EU’s increased interest in Rwanda, including its focus on inclusive development, is set to deliver multiple benefits as the country looks to emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic.”

FBW is a major player in East Africa’s construction and development sector. With offices in Uganda and Kenya as well as Rwanda, the multi-disciplinary planning, design, architecture and engineering group currently has a workforce of more than 30 professionals delivering high value construction and development projects across the region.

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