Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure, Jimmy Gasore, has shared the country’s latest plans to improve infrastructure and attract more investors. Mr Gasore said Rwanda is working on new policies that will touch on city planning, digital transformation, affordable housing, and better roads and electricity. These plans are part of a wider effort by the government to make Rwanda a top investment hub in Africa and to move the country closer to its goal of becoming a middle-income nation.
One of the major changes is the review of the country’s urbanisation policy. The government wants to manage how cities grow as more people move from rural areas to urban centres. The updated policy focuses on sustainable urban development, smart land use, and aligning city growth with national economic goals. According to Mr Gasore, the new direction will help cities become well-organised and able to meet the needs of the people. Rwanda is hoping that proper urban planning will reduce congestion, improve infrastructure, and create better access to public services like transport, water, and electricity.
To make construction easier and faster, the Ministry of Infrastructure has launched a digital platform for building permits. This new online system is expected to remove delays caused by paperwork, make the process more transparent, and allow developers to get approval faster. Mr Gasore said this move will help attract more private investment, reduce corruption and speed up the delivery of housing and infrastructure projects across Rwanda.
Affordable housing is another key focus area. The government is working on projects that will deliver quality and low-cost houses for middle and low-income earners. Minister Gasore noted that many Rwandans still find it difficult to afford decent housing, and this has created a housing deficit. To fix this problem, Rwanda is creating partnerships with both local and international companies to build more houses and reduce the pressure on the housing market.
The energy sector is also getting attention. Rwanda is investing in renewable energy sources like solar and hydro power to give more people access to electricity, especially in rural areas. Mr Gasore said that sustainable energy will not only improve people’s lives but also support businesses and industries that depend on power to operate. The government wants to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and move towards clean, reliable energy that supports long-term development.
Transport is another area the government wants to fix. Mr Gasore explained that the country is working on better roads, more reliable public transport, and stronger connections between rural and urban areas. These transport projects are important for trade, movement of goods and people, and general economic activities. The goal is to reduce travel time, make transport safer, and encourage regional business growth.
The Minister stressed that public-private partnerships are very important for these projects to succeed. By working with private companies, Rwanda wants to raise more money and bring in technical know-how to build things faster and better. The government believes this kind of teamwork can lead to more creative ideas and help make the infrastructure projects last longer and function well.
Rwanda’s vision to grow its infrastructure is tied to its dream of becoming a middle-income country. The government is using careful planning, policy reforms and smart investments in key sectors to create an economy that works for everyone. With proper infrastructure in place, the country hopes to improve the standard of living, boost business and attract more international investors.
As the government continues to roll out these changes, there is a strong focus on building cities and infrastructure that include everyone, respect the environment, and last for many years. Rwanda’s leaders believe that with the right strategies, the country can reach its development goals and become a model for infrastructure growth in Africa.