Conversations about economic transformation across Africa often return to one basic truth that without modern infrastructure, progress will always have limits. Rwanda’s latest road and transport projects reflect this priority through sustained investment in connectivity and mobility. ALSO READ: Residents upbeat over new 151km road network Just this week, the government inaugurated more than 150 kilometres of newly c ompleted roads stretching from Nyagatare in the northeast to Huye and Rusizi in the southwest. The projects are part of a wider effort to strengthen national connectivity, promote trade and ensure that growth reaches every corner of the country. According to Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA), the projects created almost 2,500 jobs and will benefit about three million residents. But the real story lies in what these roads make possible. When a farmer in Nyagatare can deliver produce to Kigali in half the time, or when a student in Rusizi can reach school safely and affordably, the impact goes beyond convenience. It boosts productivity, strengthens local economies and connects people to new opportunities. Equally significant is the transformation taking shape in Kigali. The government is preparing to upgrade 11 major road junctions, including Chez Lando, Gishushu and Sonatubes, to address chronic congestion and improve mobility. Supported by a USD100 million loan from the African Development Bank, Kigali Urban Transport Improvement Project (KUTI) is designed to improve both the flow and the quality of urban transport. The project will introduce underpasses, flyovers, bus lanes, cyclist lanes and pedestrian-friendly facilities to make the city safer and more accessible. Experts say that for Kigali to effectively tackle traffic congestion, it must prioritise public transport and non-motorised travel. “A well-structured public transport system can accommodate far more people in a single lane compared to private cars,” noted Julien Allaire, a Kigali-based urban mobility expert, in a recent interview with this publication. That principle aligns with Rwanda’s broader goal of creating a balanced and sustainable transport network. Dedicated bus lanes, for example, are being planned along major routes to ensure buses can move efficiently even during peak hours. Under Vision 2050 and the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), Rwanda views infrastructure as the backbone of its economic strategy. Each new road is seen as an investment in trade, tourism, agriculture and innovation. The new projects have also been designed with climate resilience in mind, incorporating proper drainage, slope stabilisation and environmental safeguards. The timing of these developments comes as African leaders prepare to meet in Luanda, Angola, for the Infrastructure Financing Summit later this month. The meeting will focus on closing the continent’s infrastructure financing gap, estimated at more than US$100 billion every year. Rwanda’s approach offers valuable lessons: that with careful planning, transparency and alignment with long-term goals, infrastructure can attract sustainable investment and deliver real impact. Challenges remain. The number of vehicles in Kigali is growing by more than 10 percent annually, and rapid urbanisation will continue to test the city’s transport systems. Maintaining progress will require continued investment in public transport, including electric buses and smart ticketing systems, as well as stronger coordination between national and city-level agencies. Still, Rwanda’s infrastructure journey demonstrates what is possible when ambition is matched with vision. The country is laying the foundation for a future economy built on connectivity, productivity and resilience. The author is a partnerships strategist. He writes on African development, innovation, and policy.
