How Rwanda plans to attract investment into its secondary cities

The Rwandan government is currently embarking on an ambitious project to develop six secondary cities and eight satellite cities as part of a master plan aimed at promoting urban development outside of the capital city, Kigali. This initiative comes as Kigali currently provides more than 50% of the formal jobs in the country. Vincent Rwigamba, the Manager of Urban Planning and Development at Rwanda Housing Authority, shared insights on how this master plan aims to attract investment into these cities. The project, which commenced in 2018, focuses on revising the existing master plans for these cities to align with new government policies and address key challenges such as urban sprawl and informal settlements. Rwigamba highlighted four main reasons for the revision of these master plans. Firstly, to ease the strain on Kigali caused by mass migration, secondly, to incorporate new policies emphasizing inclusivity, conviviality, and sustainable development, thirdly, to align with updated urban planning laws and regulations, and finally, to accommodate the influx of investors interested in the potential of these cities. One key aspect of the master plan is the consideration of existing investments in the designated areas. Rwigamba explained that existing projects are reviewed and, if necessary, integrated into the new master plan. In cases where modifications are required due to zoning changes, the government may offer compensation to affected parties. This approach aims to balance the promotion of new developments with the protection of existing investments. The government values a collaborative process with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition and sustainable growth in these cities.