In a forward-thinking stride toward sustainable infrastructure, Rwanda is charting new territory with plans to launch Sub-Saharan Africa’s first urban cable car system. Backed by a $500,000 grant from the African Development Bank (AfDB), this ambitious project—led by Ropeways Transit Rwanda Ltd (RTRL)—promises to redefine urban transit across the continent.
The Kigali Urban Cable Car Project is more than a mobility solution; it is a model for climate-conscious, inclusive, and efficient urban development. Its success could serve as a blueprint for cities across Africa seeking alternatives to congested road systems and carbon-intensive transit modes.
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A New Era in Urban Transport
The planned 5.5-kilometre cable car network, with a projected cost of $100 million, will offer Kigali residents a fast, low-emission, and reliable alternative to road-based transport. The system is designed to carry over 50,000 passengers daily across two primary corridors:
• Nyabugogo Taxi Park to the Central Business District (CBD)
• Kigali Convention Centre to Kigali Sports City, linking key city landmarks such as Amahoro Stadium, BK Arena, and Zaria Court
With a total travel time of just 15 minutes, the cable car will provide an integrated, multimodal transport experience, seamlessly connecting to Kigali’s existing public transit network. For commuters, particularly in underserved communities, this represents not just convenience but enhanced access to jobs, education, and services.
Anchored in National and Continental Vision
The Kigali Cable Car aligns directly with Rwanda’s green and digital transition agendas, including:
• The E-Mobility Strategy
• The Green Taxonomy
• The Climate and Nature Finance Strategy (CNFS)
These frameworks support Rwanda’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 38% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
This initiative also contributes to AfDB’s Ten-Year Strategy and the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (AGIA), a platform led by the Bank, Africa50, and the African Union to mobilise financing for sustainable infrastructure projects.
“This transformative project aligns perfectly with the Bank’s vision for green, climate-resilient urban mobility,” said AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina. “It is a scalable model that other African cities can emulate.”
Feasibility and Financing: Laying the Groundwork
The $500,000 feasibility grant is provided through the Urban and Municipal Development Fund (UMDF), which supports African cities in designing and financing inclusive urban infrastructure.
This study will evaluate the technical, environmental, and financial viability of the project, drawing inspiration from successful cable car systems in La Paz, Bolivia, and Singapore. These insights will guide the project’s development and ensure it meets global standards for safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
The full project will be financed through a blended model combining:
• Grants
• Concessional loans
• Equity investments
• Technical assistance
Strategic financial partners under consideration include the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Africa50, Trade and Development Bank (TDB), Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), and other private-sector actors. The Africa Investment Forum (AIF) will serve as a key platform for investor mobilisation.
Inclusion at the Core
The Kigali Urban Cable Car isn’t just about movement—it’s about mobility that uplifts. The system is being designed with a deliberate focus on inclusion, equity, and opportunity:
• Accessibility for persons with disabilities
• Job creation for residents, especially women and youth
• Skills development and technology transfer for long-term capacity building
• Climate resilience, ensuring infrastructure sustainability amid environmental challenges
“Through the UMDF, AfDB is laying the foundation for an investment-ready green asset that offers both impact and returns,” noted Solomon Quaynor, AfDB Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure, and Industrialisation.
Looking Ahead: A Milestone Timeline
• Feasibility Study Completion: Late 2025
• Construction Start: Late 2026
• Operational Launch: By 2028
As Kigali positions itself as a regional innovation and sustainability hub, the urban cable car project underscores Rwanda’s proactive approach to future-proofing its cities. It represents a confluence of green technology, urban inclusion, and economic foresight—hallmarks of smart African cities to come.
A Template for the Continent
While rooted in Kigali, the implications of this project extend far beyond Rwanda’s borders. As urban populations grow and climate imperatives become more urgent, the Kigali Urban Cable Car stands as a symbol of what’s possible when visionary policy meets innovative infrastructure.
In a region where mobility challenges often stifle opportunity, Rwanda is sending a clear message: Africa can lead in building green, inclusive cities—one cable car at a time.
