Kigali’s upscale Kimihurura neighborhood is set to welcome a landmark addition following the groundbreaking of Sahara Residences, a USD 20 million mixed-use development by PrimeGate Developers.
Strategically located near the Kigali Convention Centre and Parliament, the project reflects growing confidence in Rwanda’s high-end real estate market.
The 21-storey development, topped with a penthouse, will feature 110 residential units and is expected to be completed within 30 months.
Targeting both homeowners and investors, Sahara Residences offers flexible financing options, requiring buyers to pay 20–30 percent upfront, with the balance spread through monthly installments of one percent.
Apartment prices start at USD 126,000, positioning the development within Kigali’s premium housing segment.
Market response has been strong, with about 70 percent of the units already sold, leaving only 30 percent available.
The project highlights a broader shift in Rwanda’s property sector, where a new generation of entrepreneurs is taking the lead.
PrimeGate Developers, led by professionals under 40, is part of this emerging wave aiming to redefine urban living standards.
PrimeGate CEO Augustin Kabandana said the company is focused on tapping into both local and international demand for secure, high-return real estate investments.
“The real estate industry is rapidly evolving, and we intend to be part of that transformation by delivering projects that meet global standards. Sahara Residences is designed for professionals, investors, and expatriates seeking a secure home or a steady income stream,” he said.
He added that Rwanda’s stability and investor-friendly climate allow diaspora and international investors to confidently invest in property while living abroad.
Government officials also welcomed the development as aligned with national housing and investment priorities.
Rwanda Housing Authority Director General, Alphonse Rukaburandekwe, noted that such projects support the country’s urbanization agenda.
“Rwanda is open, safe, and growing. We continue to create an environment that enables private investors to actively participate in modern housing developments like Sahara Residences,” he said.
Providing further insight, Commercial Director Diana Rutayisire Mahoro described Sahara Residences as a fully integrated lifestyle development.
“The project combines one- and two-bedroom apartments with commercial spaces, restaurants, and amenities such as a swimming pool, parking, and CCTV security. For investors, it offers an estimated return on investment of between 12 and 14 percent, alongside flexible payment plans during construction,” she explained.
Confidence in the project has also been reinforced by early investors, including senior board member Gerald Mpyisi, who admitted initial skepticism about the young company.
“This company did not exist a year ago, so I had to verify everything. I only committed after confirming the construction permit” he said
He added, At my age, I cannot afford mistakes, but I believe in the vision and capability of this team,”.
As construction gets underway, PrimeGate Developers say Sahara Residences is just the beginning, with several additional projects already in the pipeline as the company positions itself to help shape Kigali’s rapidly evolving skyline.
