The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $100 million loan to overhaul Kigali’s urban transport system, aiming to tackle the city’s growing mobility challenges.
The “Kigali Urban Transport Improvement Project,” finalized on December 2 at AfDB’s headquarters in Abidjan, seeks to create an inclusive, efficient, and safe road network for the city.
With a population of 1.7 million, set to double by 2050, Kigali faces congestion, limited public transport integration, and a rising number of motorbike taxis, often leading to accidents.
The project will address these issues by improving three major traffic bottlenecks, adding dedicated bus lanes, non-motorized transport paths, and accessible pedestrian crossings.
The plan also includes enhanced bus stops, well-lit transport hubs, and facilities for vulnerable groups such as nursing mothers and people with disabilities.
AfDB’s Rwanda Country Manager, Aïssa Touré Sarr, emphasized the project’s importance in paving the way for a sustainable, low-carbon transport system, essential for Kigali’s future growth.