In the infrastructure sector, modern buildings play a vital role as Rwanda competes to attract financial institutions, including international ones, which require state-of-the-art facilities.

This need led to the conceptualization of the ‘Kigali International Financial and Business Square,’ a project featuring two identical towers. One building will accommodate commercial businesses, while the other will house a hotel and modern residential apartments.

Construction on the project began in 2022 and, barring unforeseen delays, is expected to be completed within 12 months.

Hannington Namara, Managing Director of Equity Bank Rwanda Limited, which is overseeing the construction, explained that the project aligns with the country’s ambitions to become an investment hub.

“This building is part of a partnership with the government, which has supported the construction. We are developing it as a Financial Center,” Namara explained.

“When a country aims big like this, you start to ask, ‘Where will the financial center be?’ Kigali has taken this challenge, and the area where we are building will become the Financial District. However, compared to other financial centers, more infrastructure is still needed,” he added.

Namara further emphasized that Rwanda’s goal to become a development center hinges on the advancement of infrastructure, including modern buildings.

"The idea emerged to help Rwanda build infrastructure that would accelerate its transformation into a financial hub. The project kicked off when His Excellency the President laid the foundation stone."

The project, which is estimated to cost $100 million, is progressing steadily. Namara noted, "We are currently on the 17th floor of one tower, and the other is on the 13th floor. We are about 60% to 70% through with the main structure. While the early stages were slow, the pace has accelerated as we go higher."

Namara also reassured that the building would be completed soon, with the first tower expected to be ready by March next year.

"We anticipate finishing the project by June next year, ahead of our initial target of July 2026. The other tower, near the Car Free Zone, which will feature a hotel and residential apartments, will be completed by June 2026, with its finishing work nearly done."

Despite rain-related delays, Namara confirmed that there were no significant issues, adding, “There have been no budgetary concerns despite global price increases. We are confident we can meet our deadlines.”

Equity Bank’s new landmark building in Kigali is now 60% complete.

Construction on the project began in 2022 and, barring unforeseen delays, is expected to be completed within 12 months.