For first-time visitors to Rwanda, the pristine, well-maintained roads of Kigali immediately capture attention. Red and green helmeted taxi-moto (as they are commonly called) riders weave through bustling traffic, while pedestrians stroll along sidewalks lush with greenery.

From a high vantage point, the roads twist through hills, enveloped in mist, creating a stunning vista of modern Rwanda.

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Few are aware of the key players behind this transformation. Statistics reveal that Chinese firms are responsible for up to 70 per cent of Rwanda’s national road network.

China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), a major state-owned international contractor and a key player in China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC), is celebrating 50 years of operations in Rwanda. Since it arrived in 1974, CRBC has emphasised quality as its hallmark.

In an interview with The New Times, Guo Meng, Director General of CRBC Rwanda Office, discussed what this commitment entails.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of CRBC’s operations in Rwanda. Could you provide a brief overview of CRBC’s history in the country?

CRBC began its journey in Rwanda in 1974 with the Kigali-Rusumo road construction project, known as the ‘African Demo Road’. This project ensured high-quality transportation for over three decades.

To date, CRBC Rwanda Office has completed more than 60 road projects, which make up approximately 70 per cent of Rwanda’s asphalt roads, including numerous significant landmark projects. During the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, we were the last foreign company to evacuate and the first to return.

Our Chinese and Rwandan employees worked together to restore the roads despite ongoing mines and crossfire. Several of our Chinese engineers made the ultimate sacrifice and are buried here in Rwanda. Over the past 50 years, our partnership with the Rwandan government has been a journey of shared challenges and growth. We proudly employ over 2,000 Rwandan staff annually and consider ourselves a Rwandan native company.

Beyond engineering projects, what contributions has CRBC made to the sustainable development of community construction in Rwanda?

From the outset, CRBC has viewed its role in Rwanda as more than just engineering. Our vision aligns with Rwanda’s own, emphasising that we ‘grow together’ with the Rwandan people.

We not only undertake road projects that drive the local economy, but we also actively engage in social responsibility. For instance, during the flooding disaster in June of last year in Rwanda’s Northern Province, we worked around the clock to repair roads and provided essential supplies such as meals, first-aid kits, and medicine to affected communities.

Additionally, we prioritise the training and development of local employees. Each year, we create numerous jobs, with over 96 per cent of our staff being Rwandans. These employees range from site workers to middle and senior management roles.

Many Rwandans who have gained skills and experience with CRBC have gone on to become key figures in other companies and government institutions. We believe that our greatest contribution to the community is nurturing talent, which far surpasses the mere completion of projects. This embodies the essence of growing together.

CRBC has completed approximately 70 per cent of Rwanda’s asphalt roads. How has this extensive infrastructure development impacted Rwanda’s economic and social landscape?

We firmly believe that Rwanda possesses immense potential. Our 50 years of dedication to infrastructure development is driven not only by our commitment to long-term operations but also by Rwanda’s need to connect its provinces and districts for the efficient transport of goods and tourism.

We are confident that the projects we’ve completed will serve as a foundation for future developments. The ongoing enhancement of infrastructure will transform Rwanda’s landscape, boost socio-economic growth, and strengthen connections with neighbouring countries. This extensive development benefits both Rwandans and CRBC, fostering mutual progress and prosperity.

Given CRBC’s long-standing presence in Rwanda, what future infrastructure projects are planned to further support the country’s development goals?

When CRBC first came to Rwanda, our goal was to build the country’s first modern highway. Fifty years later, road projects remain our core focus, but our scope has expanded in response to Rwanda’s evolving needs.

We are now involved in municipal projects, large-scale structures, airport developments, and housing construction. Recently, we have been actively promoting the Rwanda railway project, drawing on our experience from the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway in Kenya. Currently, the most significant project is Kigali’s new airport and its supporting highway, which will bolster Kigali’s status as a key transportation hub in East Africa.

We are also working on securing funding and implementing the new airport highway.

Parting shot?

We are excited to celebrate our 50th anniversary on September 21, at the Kigali Serena Hotel conference centre. We warmly invite our Rwandan friends to join us in marking this milestone. We look forward to continuing our contributions to Rwanda’s development for the next 50 years and beyond. We deeply value our partnership with the Rwandan government and express our sincere gratitude.