Rwanda has designated a 134 ha site on state land for cannabis production near Kigali and five companies are at an advanced stage in committing investment to the project. That’s according to the New Times in Kigali which says the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is “in the process of having the site developed”.

These developments have been published by African Legal Brief on 1 February 2025.

This follows a ministerial order last year providing a framework for “responsible and secure cultivation, processing, distribution and use of cannabis in the country”.

It said a ‘significant ‘number of companies have shown interest in the cultivation, processing and export of cannabis from Rwanda” but that no licenses had yet been issued. The status of King Kong Organic Cannabis (KKOG), which claims to have been awarded the first export license is unclear.  Its Musanze facility was meant to be completed over six months ago, but the project appears to have been delayed and its uncertain when it will come into production.

‘RDB has been working with other government stakeholders to assess proposals received.

It says government set a rigorous process to select companies that have or are partnering with companies that have previous experience in the production of cannabis for medical and therapeutic reasons. The assessment process has different stages. So far, five companies are in the advanced stage.

African Legal Brief says “the licensing process is an extensive one that requires alignment with the security requirements and infrastructure of the site”.

Click here to find out how to apply for a cannabis license in Rwanda.

It also warns The consumption of cannabis products for recreational purposes remains illegal in Rwanda and there are harsh penalties for illegal production, distribution and consumption of cannabis.

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