In a landmark step toward realizing Rwanda’s Vision 2050 and the National Strategy for Transformation (NST-2), the Government of Rwanda has officially inaugurated three major road projects totaling 151 kilometers.

The inauguration ceremony, held in Nyagatare District on 9^th October 2025, was presided over by Amb. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, Minister of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure, alongside senior government officials and development partners.

“These roads are more than just concrete and asphalt; they connect our people and drive national growth,” said Amb. Uwihanganye. “They are arteries of progress that will transform mobility, enhance productivity, and improve livelihoods across the country.”

Transforming Connectivity Across Provinces

The newly inaugurated roads include:

• Nyagatare–Rukomo Road (73 km) – Eastern Province

• Huye–Kitabi Road (53 km) – Southern Province

• Rubengera–Gisiza Road (25 km) – Western Province

These strategic corridors link communities, markets, and regional trade routes, reflecting Rwanda’s unwavering commitment to building modern, inclusive, and climate-resilient transport infrastructure.

“These projects exemplify Rwanda’s commitment to developing modern, inclusive and climate-resilient transportation infrastructure that links people to opportunities and markets,” said Mr. Imena Munyampenda, Director General of the Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA).

“In collaboration with our development partners, we are enhancing regional integration while advancing safety, access to services, and livelihoods throughout the provinces.”

Minister of State, Amb. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye (center), joined other senior officials and development partners in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Rukomo Centre

Niyuduha Nadia, a resident of Gicumbi District, emphasized the vital role the road plays in connecting local communities and facilitating easier movement across the northern corridor of the country.
“Before the completion of the Rukomo–Nyagatare Road, transportation was quite challenging. Thanks to the government’s initiative, we now enjoy improved accessibility through this remarkable infrastructure,” said Nadia.

“These projects exemplify Rwanda’s commitment to developing modern, inclusive and climate-resilient transportation infrastructure that links people to opportunities and markets,” said Mr. Imena Munyampenda, Director General of RTDA.
“In collaboration with our development partners, we are enhancing regional integration while advancing safety, access to services, and livelihoods throughout the provinces.”

The Huye–Kitabi road supports national development by enabling tea producers to transport their products to markets more efficiently.

Roads that Empower Communities

For many residents, the new roads have already made a tangible difference in their daily lives.

Niyuduha Nadia, a resident of Gicumbi District, emphasized the vital role the Rukomo–Nyagatare Road plays in connecting local communities and improving movement across the northern corridor.

“Before the completion of the Rukomo–Nyagatare Road, transportation was quite challenging,” she said. “Thanks to the government’s initiative, we now enjoy improved accessibility through this remarkable infrastructure.”

In Nyamagabe District, Tuyisenge Irene, who runs a stationery shop, shared how improved road access has boosted her small business.

“Before the road was upgraded, many customers couldn’t reach my shop easily,” Irene said. “Now, it’s much easier for them to come, and my sales have increased significantly. This road has truly changed our daily lives.”

Boosting Trade, Tourism, and Local Economies

Each of the three projects serves a unique economic and social function:

• The Huye–Kitabi Road enhances access to Nyungwe National Park and supports tea producers by facilitating faster transport to markets.

• The Rubengera–Gisiza Road strengthens agricultural logistics along Lake Kivu, promoting regional trade.

• The Nyagatare–Rukomo Road boosts cross-border trade and the agro-industrial sector in the Eastern Province.

The upgraded roads have been constructed to asphalt standards and equipped with drainage systems, slope stabilization, and modern safety features to ensure resilience against climate impacts.

Rubengera–Gisiza is a vital infrastructure project improving connectivity in the western corridor of the country

Complementary Works and Job Creation

Complementary works include:

• The ongoing Nyagatare–Rwempasha (18.5 km) extension under the Nyagatare–Rukomo project.

• The completed Huye–Gisagara (13.8 km) and Nyamagabe–Murambi (2.8 km) sections under the Huye–Kitabi project.

• 23 kilometers of street lighting along the Rubengera–Gisiza section of the scenic Kivu Belt.

During implementation, the three projects generated 2,475 jobs and are expected to directly benefit over 3 million residents across Nyagatare, Huye, Gisagara, Karongi, and neighboring districts.

Partnerships Driving Progress

Minister Uwihanganye underscored that the 151 kilometers of new infrastructure demonstrate what can be achieved through strong partnerships and shared vision.

“Without the exceptional cooperation of our development partners , the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), this milestone would not have been possible,” he said.

“Your investment has created opportunity, optimism, and a foundation for sustained prosperity.”

A Pathway to Rwanda’s Future

The road projects directly contribute to Rwanda’s Transport Sector Policy and Strategy and Sector Strategic Plan, focusing on multi-modal efficiency, social equity, and economic competitiveness. Their design reflects a strong emphasis on environmental safeguards, climate resilience, and sustainability.

By improving rural accessibility and regional trade routes linking Uganda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the new infrastructure further strengthens Rwanda’s role as a key hub for East African connectivity and integration.

“The true measure of these projects lies in the lives they transform,” Amb. Uwihanganye concluded.
“Let us maintain these roads responsibly, leverage them to grow local enterprises, and ensure that they remain pathways to opportunity and shared prosperity.”