Wednesday, 2^nd October 2024

The Government of Rwanda has proudly received two state-of-the-art electric buses from the Republic of Korea, marking a significant step forward in its commitment to promoting environmentally friendly transportation and reducing air pollution.

The donation of these buses was made possible through the support of the Republic of Korea, as part of a larger effort to strengthen Rwanda’s green mobility initiatives.

Mr. Charles KALINDA, Head of Policy and Planning Department at the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA), highlighted that the introduction of these electric buses aligns perfectly with Rwanda's long-term vision to accelerate sustainable development as outlined in the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and Vision 2050. Both strategies emphasize environmental protection and tackling vehicle emissions that contribute to air pollution.

“These electric buses will play a critical role, especially in the City of Kigali, where they will be allocated for public transportation,” Mr. KALINDA stated.

 “Their introduction into our transport ecosystem will greatly support our efforts to reduce harmful emissions and promote cleaner, greener urban mobility.”

The buses, powered entirely by electricity, are the first of many expected in the near future. “As we expand the fleet of electric vehicles, we are actively reducing air pollution and contributing to a healthier environment for our citizens,” Mr. Kalinda added.

The Government of Rwanda is also encouraging private sector actors to invest in similar electric vehicles, emphasizing that the introduction of these buses will enable Rwanda to assess their performance, operational requirements, and durability, all with the aim of expanding their usage across the country.

In a recent statement, Prime Minister Right Hon. Dr. Edouard NGIRENTE reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to environmental sustainability. While presenting the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) plan (2024-2029) to Parliament in September this year, he announced Rwanda’s ambitious goal to reduce harmful carbon emissions by 38%, underscoring the importance of initiatives like the introduction of electric buses in achieving this target.

The handover of these electric buses represents a strong commitment to green mobility, and Rwanda remains dedicated to creating a sustainable and environmentally friendly future for all.