The transport system in Kigali, Rwanda, is looking up – literally.

The AfDB has approved a US$500 000 grant from its Urban and Municipal Development Fund to conduct a feasibility study into the first phase of a cable car transport network, which will be a first for sub-Saharan Africa.

According to Africa Business Communities, the US$100 million, 5.5 km Kigali Urban Cable Car Project will have three major benefits: easing the city’s traffic congestion, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and connecting underserved communities to jobs and essential services in the city.

Construction of the first phase is expected to begin in late 2026, with commissioning set for 2028. The cable car will be designed to carry more than 50 000 passengers a day on a 15-minute end-to-end journey.

The first phase involves two critical transport routes: from the Nyabugogo taxi rank to the CBD; and from the Kigali Convention Centre to Kigali Sports City.

The feasibility study is expected to position the project to attract private investment. The project will follow the public-private partnership model.

1 July 2025
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