Smart airport city, Formula 1 circuit among 10 projects poised to change Bugesera

Strategically positioned as one of Rwanda’s emerging satellite cities, Bugesera District is envisioned as a thriving hub of knowledge, trade, sports, and tourism, according to Alexis Rutagengwa, the head of land use management and mapping at National Land Authority (NLA). The district is charting a bold path to 2050 with the launch of its updated District Land Use Plan (DLUP) 2024–2050. ALSO READ: Land use master plans for six districts to be complete by end of 2025 The district’s population of 551,000 as of 2022 is projected to grow significantly to just over 792,000 by 2035, and to over 1.2 million residents by 2050. In line with Rwanda’s national urbanisation goal of having 70 per cent of its population living in urban areas by 2050, Rutagengwa said Bugesera plans for 85.1% of its residents to reside in urban areas. About 15 per cent (approximately 180,000 people) will remain in more organised rural settlements. The New Times looks at 10 key catalytic projects that are set to spark impactful changes in the livelihoods, economy, and overall development of Bugesera. 1. New international airport The new international airport, currently under development in Rilima Sector, is a strategic infrastructure project aimed at positioning Rwanda as a regional aviation and logistics hub. Once completed, the airport will have a 130,000-square-meter main terminal structure capable of handling 8 million passengers per year, and this is expected to increase to more than 14 million in the future. The $2.2 billion infrastructure jointly funded by Qatar and Rwanda is scheduled to be completed in 2028. 2. Smart airport city In line with the development of the international airport, a smart city will be established to provide efficient and integrated services supporting various industries that facilitate airport operations and boost the economy. This special city, to be built near the airport, is intended to support airport services and promote commercial and industrial zones related to air travel, hospitality, business, and other joint development activities. ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Rwanda’s new international airport ground-level works 85% complete Key components of this Smart Airport City will include an Aeronautical Service Centre offering aircraft handling services, air travel-related equipment, professional aviation training, and modern facilities for passenger and cargo transport. The city will also host complementary infrastructure such as passenger accommodation, commercial spaces, transport services, logistics hubs, and ancillary service centres, all designed to enhance airport operations and contribute to regional economic growth. 3. Railway and expressway The development of railway and expressway infrastructure in Bugesera will help to enhance connectivity to the upcoming international airport and boost regional trade. 4. Logistics and warehousing park with a potential rail integration Among the planned projects is the construction of a dedicated logistics and warehousing park, which will have a unique potential for integration with the proposed railway network in the district. This project aims to facilitate businesses and industries by providing a reliable system for receiving, storing, and distributing goods efficiently and securely. The park will include cold chain rooms, which will be vital for preserving perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish. This will enable farmers and producers to deliver high-quality products to international markets. 5. New Formula 1-standard racing circuit The development of a sports and entertainment hub in Bugesera features the construction of a new Formula 1-standard racing circuit near the under-construction international airport, aiming to bring the prestigious motorsport event to Africa for the first time in decades. ALSO READ: Could Rwanda be Formula One’s next destination? Improving existing facilities like the Bugesera Stadium in Nyamata, which hosts football matches and other sporting events, and the Velosolutions Pump Track, part of the Pump for Peace initiative, offering cycling opportunities for all ages, is also part of that upcoming project. The Field of Dreams cycling centre, established by Israel – Premier Tech, is already a place for nurturing cycling talent and community engagement in the region. The hub will also support community-driven programmes such as the annual Run Bugesera sports camp, which provides vulnerable children with sports training, healthcare, and educational resources. 6. Urban regeneration, zero unplanned settlements and eco-village The urban regeneration initiative in Bugesera aims to modernise existing urban areas while ensuring the elimination of unplanned settlements through sustainable land use planning and infrastructure development. The development of an eco-village with mixed-use functions in Bugesera aims to create a sustainable, self-contained community that integrates residential, commercial, agricultural, and recreational spaces. 7. Hillside and marshland irrigation project The hillside and marshland irrigation project is one of the basic approaches to increasing agricultural productivity. The project will promote the development of irrigable areas in the sectors of Mwogo, Musenyi, Shyara, Nyarugenge, Kamabuye, Juru, Gashora, and others, as well as supporting hillside irrigation methods aimed at increasing agricultural yields. 8. Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and Agro-processing Park This project aims to promote an Agricultural Technology Hub and modern agro-processing industries. ALSO READ: Bugesera special economic zone targets to create $1.2bn in industrial value The Special Economic Zone (SEZ) designated for this purpose is located in Gashora Sector, where preparations are currently underway. 9. Tourism clusters with hotels and water-based tourism The development of tourism clusters in Bugesera focuses on creating integrated zones that combine hotels, recreational facilities, and water-based tourism activities along lakes. 10. High-standard education and training centres Bugesera plans to improve and develop high-standard education and training centres to enhance human capital and support the region’s socio-economic transformation. This includes building modern schools, vocational institutes, and specialised training centres to equip youth and professionals with relevant skills for emerging job markets.

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Smart airport city, Formula 1 circuit among 10 projects poised to change Bugesera