Asbestos Regulation in Rwanda
Regulation summary
This country has restrictions on asbestos but has not implemented a full ban. Some uses or applications remain legal, always check specific local regulations before starting any work.
Rwanda restricts asbestos through a prior-authorization regime rather than a categorical statutory prohibition. The Prime Minister's Order N°27/03 of 23 October 2008 placed asbestos on a list of substances requiring government authorization before import, sale, storage, or distribution, effectively closing the door on new asbestos entering the country. Rwanda does not appear on the IBAS list of countries with comprehensive national bans, but in practice both the government and media treat asbestos import as prohibited.
Rwanda runs one of the most advanced asbestos-eradication programs in sub-Saharan Africa. The national removal effort, coordinated by the Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA) with disposal supervised by REMA, has reduced asbestos roofing from 1.69 million square metres to approximately 51,000 square metres. As of July 2026, 94% of government buildings and 89.2% of private buildings have been cleared. Completion is targeted for the end of the 2026/27 fiscal year. Asbestos was used mainly as roofing in buildings constructed before the 1980s. Rwanda operates 13 asbestos burial sites across the country under REMA supervision.
Key dates
2008: Prime Minister's Order N°27/03 of 23 October 2008 requires prior authorization for import, sale, storage, and distribution of asbestos. Lists amphibole forms (actinolite, anthophyllite, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite)
2009: Cabinet orders individuals and institutions to remove asbestos roofing within six months. Deadline proves unrealistic due to limited funding and shortage of trained technicians
2011: National Action Plan for asbestos eradication established following High-Level Consultative Meeting on 18 April 2011, implemented by the Rwanda Housing Authority
2015: Prime Minister's Instructions No 002/03 of 05/05/2015 set out the official procedure for eradicating asbestos materials from buildings in Rwanda
2016: Original extended deadline for removal. Missed due to funding constraints and sensitisation challenges. Deadline extended again to 2020
2026: RHA reports 94% removal from government buildings and 89.2% from private buildings (July 2026). Completion targeted for end of 2026/27 fiscal year
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