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The African Development Bank has approved a US$500 000 grant to support a feasibility study for the Kigali Urban Cable Car Project, a first-of-its-kind aerial urban transit system in sub-Saharan Africa.
The initiative, led by Ropeways Transit Rwanda Ltd (RTRL), marks a major step toward revolutionising public transportation in the Rwandan capital with a 5,5 km cable car network valued at US$100 million.
“This transformative project aligns perfectly with the Bank’s vision for green, climate-resilient infrastructure.
By financing Rwanda’s urban cable car system, we are investing in a scalable model of low-carbon, inclusive public transport that other African cities can emulate,” African Development Bank President Dr Akinwumi Adesina said.
The first phase of the project will cover two major corridors: from Nyabugogo Taxi Park to the Central Business District (CBD) and from the Kigali Convention Centre to Kigali Sports City, linking key public sites like Amahoro Stadium, BK Arena and Zaria Court.
The grant, sourced from the Bank’s Urban and Municipal Development Fund (UMDF), will finance the groundwork for a system designed to ease traffic congestion, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve access to jobs and essential services for underserved communities in the Rwandan capital.
The US$100 million funding structure will comprise a strategic mix of grants, concessional loans, blended finance, and technical assistance.
The feasibility study is expected to attract international investment, including through platforms like the Africa Investment Forum (AIF). The UMDF previously funded the feasibility study for Kigali’s Urban Transport Improvement Project, demonstrating its commitment to improving urban mobility infrastructure. — Business Insider Africa
