Today, the Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA) had the honor of welcoming a distinguished delegation from the Kingdom of Lesotho, led by Honorable Moteane Matjato, Minister of Public Works & Transport. This visit marks a significant step toward international collaboration in enhancing road infrastructure and public transport systems within Africa.

The delegation was warmly received by RTDA’s Director General, Mr. Imena Munyampenda, who provided an in-depth overview of RTDA’s vision and strategic initiatives. The discussions centered on RTDA’s innovative approaches in road asset management, its financial models for sustainable infrastructure development, and various mechanisms for stakeholder collaboration. Mr. Munyampenda highlighted RTDA’s commitment to building a resilient and efficient road network that meets the growing needs of Rwanda’s public transport sector.

During the session, Mr. Munyampenda shared RTDA's ambitious vision of transforming Rwanda’s transport landscape to align with the country's socioeconomic development goals. He outlined the agency’s approach to road asset management, emphasizing the importance of a proactive maintenance system designed to ensure roads are safe, durable, and accessible year-round. Through the integration of cutting-edge technology and data analytics, RTDA has streamlined the monitoring and evaluation of road conditions, allowing for timely interventions and optimized resource allocation.

A key highlight of the meeting was RTDA’s sustainable financing approaches, which have been instrumental in achieving ongoing infrastructure expansion and maintenance goals. Mr. Munyampenda explained how RTDA leverages a mix of public-private partnerships, government funding, and international assistance to support infrastructure projects. These funding mechanisms not only ensure the continuous improvement of Rwanda’s road network but also provide a blueprint for other nations in the region looking to establish sustainable financing for large-scale infrastructure projects.

Hon. Matjato expressed interest in RTDA’s collaborative models that bring together government agencies, private stakeholders, and the public to improve transport services. RTDA has fostered partnerships with both local and international entities, resulting in the exchange of knowledge, technical expertise, and best practices. These collaborations have significantly contributed to enhancing the quality, accessibility, and affordability of public transport services in Rwanda. The visiting delegation was particularly interested in learning how such partnerships could be adapted to support Lesotho’s own transport objectives.

The visit of the Lesotho delegation underscores a shared commitment to advancing Africa’s infrastructure landscape. Both Rwanda and Lesotho recognize the crucial role of well-maintained and accessible road networks in driving economic growth, facilitating trade, and improving citizens' quality of life. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, RTDA and the Ministry of Public Works & Transport of Lesotho aim to leverage their collective expertise to address shared challenges and opportunities in the sector.

As the session concluded, Mr. Munyampenda reaffirmed RTDA’s openness to continued collaboration with Lesotho and other regional partners. RTDA remains committed to sharing its experiences and innovative practices in road asset management and public transport development, strengthening Rwanda's role in sustainable transport infrastructure within the African continent.

Today's discussions represent a promising milestone in the journey toward enhanced infrastructure cooperation between Rwanda and Lesotho, with both nations striving to create safer, more efficient, and more inclusive transport systems for their citizens.