Rwanda is set to embark on an ambitious journey to enhance its transport, housing, energy, water and sanitation infrastructure as well as tourism, leisure, and health sectors.
The New Times looks at some of the major infrastructure projects that will shape 2025.
1. $150m Nyabugogo bus terminal
Revamping Nyabugogo bus terminal is set to commence in 2025 and be completed in 2027 at a cost of $100-150 million, according to Emma-Claudine Ntirenganya, the City of Kigali Spokesperson.
Nyabugogo, Rwanda’s main bus station, is set to get a bigger and better bus terminal to facilitate the movement of people within Kigali and the between the capital city and other provinces as well as improve the connection with neighbouring countries.
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2. $30m sanitary pads factory
A new $30 million factory specialising in the production of sanitary pads, hygiene papers, bar soaps, and packaging materials is nearing completion in Muhanga District Industrial Park.
Once fully operational, the factory is expected to reduce the country&039;s dependence on imports of those products.
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3. Rusizi port
The construction of Rusizi Port on the shores of Lake Kivu aimed at facilitating the transport of people and goods between Rwanda and DR Congo.
Once complete, Rusizi Port will have the capacity to accommodate 2.3 million passengers and handle 1.3 million tons of cargo annually.
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Rusizi Port is part of a larger initiative to enhance water transport and bolster trade between Rwanda and its western neighbours. It is one of four ports that will enhance transport of goods and people on Lake Kivu.
Rubavu Port was completed and became fully operational in December. Construction of the other two ports, Nkora and Karongi, is scheduled to begin in early this year.
4. $20m Rusizi II one stop border post
The Rusizi II One Stop Border Post (OSBP) is a border facility that will be built between Rwanda and DR Congo.
The project is intended to improve border infrastructure, streamline trade, and facilitate the movement of people and goods.
The $20 million Rusizi II One Stop Border Post (OSBP) project is financed by the European Union in partnership with International Organisation for Migration and Trade Mark East Africa.
Once complete, the one-stop border post will facilitate movement of goods and people between Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo RC and the Great Lakes Region at large.
5. Rwanda’s new international airport
The development of various ground-level facilities and infrastructure at the new international airport under construction in Bugesera District in Eastern Province was 85 per cent complete by July 2024, according to Aviation Travel and Logistics (ATL).
The new international airport’s construction was initially scheduled to be finished in 2026. The airport, which is expected to position Rwanda as a regional air transport hub, could cost up to $2 billion.
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Once complete, 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 at full capacity.
6. $300m real estate project near Nyarutarama golf course
The $300 million investment plan for real estate projects around Nyarutarama golf course is expected to change the face of Kigali city.
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Property owners around the area for the project were compensated in 2024 to make way for the proposed infrastructure projects.
Besides expanding the Golf Course, part of the investment will be spent on real estate, recreational, and four-star hotel project in areas..
7. $27m eco-parks in Kigali
Rwanda launched the rehabilitation project for five wetlands in Kigali. The project will cost $27 million.
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This four-year project aims to reduce flood risks, restore biodiversity, improve water quality, enhance the urban landscape, and provide recreational opportunities.
8. Vision City Phase 2
Located in Gacuriro, a suburban neighborhood, Vision City Phase 2 will comprise more than 1,500 units, and is expected to be three times the size of phase one, according to the developers.
The development of the project is currently underway.
9. Masaka Hospital expansion
The Masaka hospital expansion project in Kicukiro District is expected to be finished by July 2025, and it includes the scaling up of the hospital capacity to accept 2,000 patients per day.
Once complete, the hospital will be the premise of the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK), which will be relocated from the central business district.
ALSO READ: CHUK relocation construction ongoing
10. Inzovu Mall
Construction of the multi-million-dollar shopping mall Inzovu Mall is underway and projected to be complete by September 2025. Once complete, Inzovu Mall will be the largest shopping centre in the City of Kigali.
The commercial mall, being built by French firm Groupe Duval through Duval Great Lakes is located in Kimihurura, opposite the Parliament and Kigali Convention Centre.
11. Equity Twin Tower Complex
The construction of a twin tower by Equity Bank Group will cost $100 million and will be completed within 24 months, implying that Kigali would have another high-rise structure by the end of this year.
The twin tower, which is expected to have 20 stories from ground level, aspires to be another iconic skyscraper in Kigali.
12. Kigali Innovation City
Construction works for Kigali Innovation City, Rwanda’s major project in building an innovation ecosystem on the continent, began in September 2024.
ALSO READ: Kigali Innovation City master plan unveiled
The cost of the project, which is set to position Kigali as a regional innovation hub, is estimated at $300 million, and it will be located near the Special Economic Zone.