The journey to this milestone began in October 2021 with the laying of the foundation in the Rutaraka industrial zone, Nyagatare Sector. Funded by a robust budget of 45 billion Rwandan Francs, the factory is strategically positioned to procure milk from the prolific dairy-producing districts of Nyagatare, Gatsibo, Kayonza, and Kirehe.

Governor Rubingisa, in a conversation with IGIHE, highlighted the completion of the factory’s construction and its recent inauguration. "It’s all set and already in motion. The factory not only supports our existing Inyange milk processing capabilities in Rusororo but pioneers the domestic production of milk powder, catering to both our local needs and international markets," he explained.

This facility is projected to process 650,000 liters of milk daily, steering the nation towards prioritizing local, high-quality dairy products over imported alternatives. When queried about the transition from imported to locally produced milk powder, Governor Rubingisa confidently advocated, "Let’s embrace our own high-quality products and move away from imports."

The Eastern Province, with its cattle population exceeding 500,000, produces over 320,000 liters of milk each day. Governor Rubingisa expressed a robust optimism regarding the factory’s milk demands. "We are hopeful about meeting our daily requirement of 600,000 liters. Beyond supplying the factory, there’s a broader need for milk for direct consumption and for producing other dairy products like yogurt and cheese," he noted, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to ramp up milk production to fulfill both factory and market demands.

In anticipation of this significant advancement, Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente, during the 19th National Dialogue Council, announced that the milk powder factory in Nyagatare is slated for its official opening in April 2024.

This initiative not only showcases a remarkable increase in dairy production, from 700,000 liters in 2017 to over a million liters in 2023, but also underscores Rwanda’s dedication to enhancing its dairy sector and reducing dependency on imported milk powder.

This facility is projected to process 650,000 liters of milk daily, steering the nation towards prioritizing local, high-quality dairy products over imported alternatives.

Inyange milk powder factory, located in Nyagatare District, Eastern Province, officially commenced operations last week.