{"id":114007,"date":"2025-10-27T15:37:59","date_gmt":"2025-10-27T15:37:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/fortis-green-launches-its-first-eco-housing-estate-in-rwanda"},"modified":"2025-10-27T16:10:27","modified_gmt":"2025-10-27T16:10:27","slug":"fortis-green-launches-its-first-eco-housing-estate-in-rwanda","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/economy\/fortis-green-launches-its-first-eco-housing-estate-in-rwanda","title":{"rendered":"Fortis Green launches its first eco-housing estate in Rwanda"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>Fortis Green Housing, a Kigali-based American developer, has launched a $25 million eco-estate in Kigali\u2019s Masaka Sector following a year-and-a-half of extensive market research that identified strong demand for quality rental housing and affordable green homes in Rwanda.<\/p>\n

The company, which has previously invested in Rwanda\u2019s renewable energy sector, is part of the larger Fortis Green Holdings group focused on channelling American capital into African infrastructure projects.<\/p>\n

Construction officially began on Friday, October 24, with several units already purchased.<\/p>\n

Masaka Views marks its first real estate development in the country. Spanning seven hectares, the estate will feature 51 single-family homes, 33 townhouses, and 302 one to three-bedroom apartments.<\/p>\n

Construction officially began on Friday, October 24, with several units already purchased. The first phase, which includes single-family homes and townhouses, is scheduled for completion by early 2026, while the first apartment block will be ready within 11 months. Overall, the project is expected to be fully completed in about two and a half years.<\/p>\n

Masaka Views marks its first real estate development in the country. Spanning seven hectares, the estate will feature 51 single-family homes, 33 townhouses, and 302 one to three-bedroom apartments.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverybody builds to sell, and about 95 per cent of those homes end up being rented out,\u201d said Jonathan Shafer, the CEO of Fortis Green. \u201cThat tells us the demand for rental housing is still quite high, while the number of actual homebuyers remains low due to financing costs and limited mortgage access. So, as we think about building a community, it makes more sense to own this long-term and set pricing as low as possible to make it accessible to more people.\u201d<\/p>\n

To ensure accessibility across a broad range of buyers and tenants, Fortis Green has structured its pricing to suit a variety of budgets. Properties will start at approximately $70,300, with options scaling upward to meet different lifestyle needs. Rental units will likewise be competitively priced, offering residents flexible terms, quality service, and strong value for money.<\/p>\n

Only the 88 homes and townhouses will be sold, while all apartments will remain under Fortis Green\u2019s ownership and rented out. Shafer noted that this approach ensures consistent management standards and a stable neighbourhood culture, in contrast with the prevailing market trend where most developers build solely for sale.<\/p>\n

Shafer emphasised that the estate reflects the company\u2019s broader mission to promote sustainable communities across Africa. \u201cWe build with sustainable materials and practices that reduce carbon emissions, water use, and electricity consumption,\u201d he said. \u201cBut being green is not just about the buildings; it is also about how we design and live within them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Company owners and clients pose for a group photo at the launch of the project.<\/p>\n

Each structure in the estate will be EDGE-certified, an international green building standard developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Shafer highlighted that Masaka Views aims to foster long-term community engagement and social well-being. \u201cWe want to create a place where families and individuals can flourish, where people can live, work, go to school, and enjoy life in the context of a real community,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Through its Fortis Green Wellness Initiative, the company plans to offer residents a variety of activities, from aerobics and yoga to gardening workshops and counselling services, promoting physical, mental, and spiritual health.<\/p>\n

Officials touring the site. Kellya Keza<\/p>\n

Shafer, who has lived in Rwanda for six years, said the country\u2019s investment-friendly environment and strong housing demand motivated the company\u2019s expansion into real estate.<\/p>\n

\u201cRwanda\u2019s investment environment is one of the best on the continent,\u201d he said. \u201cWith Kigali needing an estimated 30,000 new housing units annually, we felt this was the right time to bring something sustainable and inclusive.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before venturing into real estate, Fortis Green Holdings had already established a strong presence in the renewable energy sector. Through Fortis Green Renewables, the company owns four power plants in Rwanda and 36 across the African continent.<\/p>\n

Among the early buyers is Beatrice Hariri, who praised the estate\u2019s flexible payment options and eco-friendly environment. \u201cThe estate meets the country\u2019s eco-friendly settlement policies,\u201d she said. \u201cThere are many payment options, you can pay directly, or through your bank, or discuss installment plans with the developers. It\u2019s very accommodating.\u201d<\/p>\n

Masaka Views marks its first real estate development in the country. Spanning seven hectares, the estate will feature 51 single-family homes, 33 townhouses, and 302 one to three-bedroom apartments.<\/p>\n

During the groundbreaking ceremony, Michelle Umurungi, the Chief Investment Officer at Rwanda Development Board (RDB), commended the project as a symbol of sustainable and inclusive urban growth.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis marks more than just the start of a construction project; it marks the beginning of a community that reflects Rwanda\u2019s commitment to sustainable, people-centred development,\u201d she said. Umurungi added that housing remains one of Rwanda\u2019s most pressing needs amid Kigali\u2019s rapid urbanization.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are glad to see investors stepping into this opportunity and designing communities that are greener, smarter, and more resilient,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe use of green construction technology and the emphasis on community well-being make this project truly stand out. RDB stands ready to continue supporting you throughout this journey, from implementation to completion and beyond, as you scale and expand.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking ahead, Fortis Green has additional projects under development, with construction expected to begin in 2026. These upcoming initiatives build on the company\u2019s commitment to sustainable, community-centred housing, expanding its footprint in Kigali and beyond while continuing to integrate renewable energy and smart design into every phase of development.<\/p>\n\r\n