The African Development Bank Group's recent approval of a $100 million loan for the Kigali Urban Transport Improvement Project marks a significant ste
The African Development Bank Group’s recent approval of a $100 million loan for the Kigali Urban Transport Improvement Project marks a significant step toward addressing urban mobility challenges in Rwanda’s rapidly growing capital. With Kigali’s population expected to more than double by 2050, the city faces pressing issues of traffic congestion, long delays, and inadequate infrastructure, which strain residents and the urban economy.
The project will focus on redesigning and upgrading three of Kigali’s seven major traffic bottlenecks to enhance flow and efficiency. There will be construction of bus lanes to streamline and prioritize public transport operations.
Goals
Development of accessible, well-lit, and sheltered public transport stations with features to accommodate diverse user needs, including nursing mothers, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Addition of pavements and pedestrian crossings will be built to encourage walking and cycling while improving safety for all road users.
The project aligns with Kigali’s urban transport system with low-carbon, environmentally sustainable practices for a just transition to greener mobility solutions.It aims to establish a foundation for a future-oriented urban mobility system, reducing environmental impacts.
By addressing critical urban transport challenges, this initiative positions Kigali as a model for sustainable urban development in Africa. The project not only targets immediate mobility issues but also lays the groundwork for long-term urban growth and environmental stewardship.
“The project will focus on havin more efficient, sustainable and user-friendly urban transport infrastructure,” explained Aïssa Touré Sarr, the African Development Bank’s Country Manager for Rwanda.