Faith Nyasuguta
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $500,000 grant to fund a feasibility study for the Kigali Urban Cable Car Project – a bold plan to establish sub-Saharan Africa’s first aerial cable car public transit system.
Spearheaded by Ropeways Transit Rwanda Ltd (RTRL), the $100 million project will feature a 5.5-kilometre cable car network aimed at transforming public transportation in Kigali. The initiative is designed to ease growing urban traffic congestion, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and offer a reliable, modern mode of transport for city residents – especially low-income communities often underserved by traditional road networks.
The project’s first phase will run along two vital city corridors. One will connect Nyabugogo Taxi Park to the Central Business District (CBD), while the other will stretch from the Kigali Convention Center to Kigali Sports City. These routes were selected to link key destinations such as Amahoro Stadium, BK Arena, and Zaria Court.
The cable car system is expected to transport over 50,000 passengers daily, with an average end-to-end journey lasting just 15 minutes. Importantly, it will be fully integrated into Kigali’s existing public transport network, allowing for easy transfers between buses, motorcycles and the cable system.
AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina called the project a milestone in sustainable urban planning. “This transformative project aligns perfectly with the Bank’s vision for green, climate-resilient infrastructure. By financing Rwanda’s urban cable car system, we are investing in a scalable model of low-carbon, inclusive public transport that other African cities can emulate,” he said.
The $500,000 grant comes from the Bank’s Urban and Municipal Development Fund (UMDF), which supports innovative city infrastructure. The UMDF also funded Kigali’s previous Urban Transport Improvement Project, underlining Rwanda’s growing role in reimagining urban mobility.
The overall project will be financed through a strategic mix of grants, concessional loans, blended finance, and technical support. The feasibility study is expected to draw international investment, especially through platforms like the Africa Investment Forum (AIF), which links African projects with global capital.
Construction of the cable car is scheduled to begin in late 2026, with completion and launch expected by 2028. If successful, the Kigali Urban Cable Car Project will offer a blueprint for other African cities seeking climate-friendly, high-impact transportation solutions tailored for the future.
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