On 9^th October, 2025 in Nyagatare District, the Government of Rwanda, through the Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA), has officially inaugurated three major road projects that mark a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to modernize and expand its national road network. The inauguration ceremony gathered senior government officials, development partners, and local communities to celebrate the completion of transformative transport infrastructure initiatives.

The completed roads include:

• Nyagatare-Rukomo Road (73 km)
• Huye-Kitabi Road (53 km)
• Rubengera-Gisiza Road (25 km)

These strategic corridors strengthen mobility, stimulate economic activity, and unlock new opportunities for millions of Rwandans across the Eastern, Southern, and Western provinces.

The upgraded roads were constructed to asphalt standards, featuring improved drainage systems, slope stabilization, and modern safety features designed to withstand climate-related impacts. 

Presiding over the ceremony, Amb. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, Minister of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure, emphasized the long-term impact of these investments:

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

RTDA Director General, Mr. Imena Munyampenda, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the government’s commitment to climate-resilient, inclusive, and modern transport infrastructure:

“These projects exemplify Rwanda’s commitment to developing modern, inclusive and climate-resilient transportation infrastructure. In collaboration with our development partners, we are enhancing regional integration while advancing safety, access to services, and livelihoods throughout the provinces.” 

The inauguration also highlighted additional works undertaken within the project packages, including:

• Nyagatare-Rwempasha (18.5 km) – currently under implementation
• Huye-Gisagara (13.8 km) – completed under the Huye–Kitabi project
• Nyamagabe-Murambi (2.8 km) – also completed under Huye–Kitabi
• 23 km of street-lighting installation on the Rubengera–Gisiza corridor

These enhancements strengthen safety, extend access, and support socio-economic development across project areas. 

Jobs Created and Communities Impacted

The implementation of the three road projects generated 2,475 jobs and is expected to directly benefit approximately 3 million people across six districts: Nyagatare, Karongi, Gisagara, Huye, Nyamagabe, and Rutsiro. 

Breakdown of project-level impact:

• Nyagatare–Rukomo Road: 633 jobs created; 1,102,685 beneficiaries
• Huye–Kitabi Road: 1,096 jobs created; 1,150,452 beneficiaries
• Rubengera–Gisiza Road: 746 jobs created; 743,049 beneficiaries

These numbers demonstrate the transformative social and economic footprint of large-scale public infrastructure investments.

Minister Uwihanganye underscored the indispensable support of development partners whose collaboration enabled the successful delivery of all projects:

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

Each of the newly inaugurated roads plays a unique and strategic economic role:

Huye-Kitabi Road (53 km)

• Enhances access to Nyungwe National Park, one of Rwanda’s most vital tourism assets
• Facilitates efficient transport for tea producers
• Supports the broader agricultural value chain across the Southern Province

Rubengera-Gisiza Road (25 km)

• Strengthens tourism and agricultural logistics along Lake Kivu
• Promotes regional and cross-district trade
• Supports communities reliant on fisheries and small-scale commerce

Nyagatare–Rukomo Road (73 km)

• Boosts cross-border trade near the Rwanda-Uganda border
• Enhances mobility for the rapidly growing agro-industrial sector in the Eastern Province
• Reduces transport time for farmers accessing markets and services

The inauguration of these three flagship roads represents a crucial step in advancing Rwanda’s long-term vision for a reliable, inclusive, and sustainable transport network. By reducing travel time, expanding market access, and improving safety, the projects will continue to contribute to national development, poverty reduction, and economic competitiveness.

As Minister Uwihanganye emphasized, this milestone demonstrates what can be achieved through shared vision, strong partnerships, and unwavering commitment to national progress.