Strawtec offers affordable housing options in Rwanda

Housing demand in Kigali city with a 1.2 million population is estimated at 344,068 dwelling units between 2012 and 2022. Despite the government's efforts to make housing more affordable, residents still find it expensive. However, there is a glimmer of hope in the form of Strawtec, a company spearheading a revolutionary approach to affordable housing in Rwanda. Armin Burckhardt, Deputy Managing Director at Strawtec, recently spoke on CNBC Africa about how their innovative products are contributing to making housing more affordable in the region. Burckhardt highlighted the importance of pressure in driving innovation within the company, emphasizing the motivation to over-deliver as a driving force behind their success. One of the core concepts of Strawtec's approach is the utilization of raw materials sourced from Rwanda. By collecting straw from local farmers that would otherwise go to waste, Strawtec employs advanced German technology to press the straw into panels that can be used for construction. This eco-friendly approach not only reduces waste but also offers a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials like bricks. Despite initial skepticism from potential clients regarding the use of straw, Strawtec has secured significant projects, including collaborations with government ministries and large residential developments like Giselsky Heights. Burckhardt expressed optimism about entering the affordable housing sector through promising discussions with key decision-makers in Rwanda. While addressing concerns about the future availability of straw in Rwanda due to strict regulations on tree felling, Burckhardt remained confident in the company's ability to meet projected demands and hinted at potential collaborations with neighboring countries like Uganda and Kenya if necessary. In terms of affordability, Strawtec aims to significantly undercut the government's guidelines of $300 per square meter, making their housing solutions more accessible to a wider demographic. The company's focus on design innovation and cost competitiveness is expected to reshape the perception of straw-based construction and redefine the standards of affordable housing in Rwanda. As the demand for affordable housing continues to rise, Strawtec is gearing up for scaling its production and construction capabilities to meet the ambitious targets set by the government. With plans to expand beyond Rwanda to cover the East African region, Strawtec's innovative approach to sustainable housing presents a promising solution to the ongoing housing crisis in the region. By prioritizing both production efficiency and construction simplicity, Strawtec aims to revolutionize the affordable housing sector and set new benchmarks for quality, affordability, and sustainability in housing construction.