In a statement shared on X, the partners said the first U Express outlet is scheduled to open in early 2026. It will be located within Inzovu Mall, a 40,000-square-meter mixed-use development in Kigali's Kimihurura business district. The mall sits strategically near the Kigali Convention Centre and is being constructed on the former site of Rwanda's Ministry of Justice and Supreme Court.
Construction spearheaded by Groupe Duval began in August 2023, with the development expected to be completed by September 2025 and open to the public in December 2025. The total project cost is estimated at $68â€"71 million, financed through a combination of Groupe Duval's investment and external loans from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Proparco, each contributing $17.5 million.
The mall aims to attract both international and local brands. The U Express store will span 3,000 square meters, providing consumers with quality products at fair prices and closer links to local producers.
Economic impact and job creation
The partnership is expected to generate significant employment opportunities. Groupe Duval estimates that the U Express stores will create over 500 jobs, while the Inzovu Mall development will support more than 700 positions during construction and operation. The project is also expected to boost Rwanda's retail sector, contribute to tax revenues, and support local infrastructure.
Inzovu Mall is being developed as a high-end, mixed-use hub that combines retail, leisure, hospitality, and office spaces. The mall will offer between 21,000 and 26,000 square meters of retail and leisure space, hosting restaurants, entertainment facilities, and anchor tenants such as Intermarché and a BUT store.
A four-star Odalys hotel, covering 5,000 square meters and featuring 95 rooms, will be integrated into the development, allowing guests to access the mall directly from their rooms.
The project also includes 6,000 square meters of Grade A office space and extensive parking facilities, with between 400 and 667 spaces, including a basement accommodating 450 vehicles.
Sustainability is a core component of the development, with energy-efficient lighting, solar power, water recycling systems, and other green technologies. Inzovu Mall is targeting IFC EDGE certification, which recognises environmentally sustainable building practices.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
