Rwanda’s Development Board (RDP) has allocated a US$1,5 million to complete its flagship cannabis project which is now a year behind schedule. The contribution is towards finishing site infrastructure for the project which is a partnership with US-based King Kong Organics Global (KKOG).

KKOG, which secured the country’s first cannabis license – issued by the RDB -  has already invested US$10 million in the construction of an export-orientated facility in the Musanze District in Rwanda’s Northern Province.

The RDB has earmarked 134 ha for outdoor cultivation of medical cannabis as part of its move to develop the sector.  KKOG was working on a target of at least 5,000 kilogrammes per hectare to process for export but that has had to put its plans on hold.

KKOG CEO Rene Joseph was quoted by The New Times in Kigali, as saying the company had already put up the money for machinery, facility construction, payment of fees in land acquisition and contractors, as well as importing genetically modified cannabis seeds. He estimated another US$3 billion would be required from the RDB to get the site ready.

RDB officials indicated that the remaining work includes the installation of a double-layered security fence, an essential component to meet international safety standards.

"The overall progress of the work stands at 83%. The remaining tasks include general double-layer fencing. The works related to drainage layout were completed but are yet to be invoiced," Joseph Cedrick Nsengiyumva, RDB's Chief Financial Officer, briefed lawmakers on 13 May 2025 during a parliamentary budget hearing.

The project was initially due for completion in May last year but the deadline was kicked out to September. No timelines have been advanced by the RDB as to when the project will be completed – or where it is going to find another US$3 million.

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