Rwanda is taking steps to strengthen control over its critical mineral sector, with President Paul Kagame introducing reforms to mining laws and the tax system.

The changes are designed to move the country away from exporting raw ores and towards local processing and value addition, focusing on minerals like tin, tantalum, tungsten, lithium, and rare earth, key components in technologies such as electric vehicle batteries, clean energy systems, electronics, and aerospace.

The government hopes the strategy will turn Rwanda into a regional processing hub, attract investment, and create more skilled jobs, rather than simply relying on raw mineral exports.

Dennis Bero, journalist and team leader at Grassroots Journalism Kenya, said; “Rwanda is clearly looking to capture more value from its mineral resources. By encouraging local processing and higher-value manufacturing, the government aims to boost revenue, create jobs, and strengthen the country’s economic independence.”

–ChannelAfrica–