This initial phase aims to lay the groundwork for a 5.5-kilometer aerial transit system valued at $100 million, intended to ease traffic congestion in Rwanda’s capital, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and connect underserved communities to essential services and job opportunities. The funds come from the Urban and Municipal Development Fund (UMDF), a multi-donor trust fund hosted by the AfDB. UMDF supports cities across Africa in mobilizing financing, building technical capacity, and identifying high-impact urban infrastructure projects.

Two strategic corridors in phase 1

The first phase of the cable car network will focus on two main transport corridors: From Nyabugogo Taxi Park to the Central Business District (CBD) and from Kigali Convention Centre to the Kigali Sports City, linking public landmarks including Amahoro Stadium, BK Arena, and the new Zaria courthouse. Once operational, the system is expected to carry over 50,000 passengers daily across a 15-minute route, fully integrated into Kigali’s existing transport infrastructure. AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina described the project as “transformational,” aligning with the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy focused on sustainable urbanization, climate resilience, and the Africa Green Infrastructure Alliance (AGIA), a joint initiative led by AfDB, Africa50, and the African Union.

By funding Rwanda’s urban cable car system, we are investing in a scalable model for inclusive, low-carbon public transport that other African cities can replicate.

Adesina said. The project also aligns with Rwanda’s green taxonomy and key national climate goals, which target a 38% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. It is supported under the country’s Electric Mobility Strategy and Climate and Nature Financing Strategy (CNFS).

Learning from global leaders

The feasibility study will draw lessons from leading aerial transit systems in La Paz, Bolivia, and Singapore. The system will prioritize accessibility for people with disabilities, job creation for women and low-income residents, and technology transfer to build local capacity.

This groundbreaking feasibility study is a decisive milestone,

said Solomon Quaynor, AfDB Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization.

With the support of UMDF, AfDB is laying the foundation for a green infrastructure asset that is both impactful and bankable.

Construction timeline and investment structure

Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2026, with the cable car expected to be operational by 2028. The project will be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, as confirmed by Imena Munyampenda, Director General of the Rwanda Transport Development Agency. The $100 million financing structure will blend grants, concessional loans, blended finance, and technical assistance. The feasibility study will also include a viability gap assessment to support investment readiness. International financing partners expected to participate include the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Africa50, Trade and Development Bank (TDB), Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), and private investors, alongside AGIA and the Rwandan government.