World Bank Approves $100M to Improve Transport in Kigali

The Rwanda Urban Mobility Improvement (RUMI) project will focus on expanding eco-friendly and inclusive transport infrastructure. It is expected to ease traffic congestion, improve access to jobs and services, and support the city’s efforts to become more sustainable.

The funding will be provided through the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s arm for low-income countries.

Planned upgrades under RUMI include the introduction of electric buses, construction of bus-only lanes, better pedestrian and bicycle paths, and new charging stations for electric buses. The project will also support a major renovation of the Nyabugogo Bus Terminal, one of the busiest transport hubs in the country.

“This project will help Kigali achieve its vision for clean and efficient public transport,” said Sahr Kpundeh, the World Bank country manager for Rwanda. “It’s about making travel safer, more inclusive, and more reliable—especially for women and youth.”

Once complete, the upgraded Nyabugogo terminal is expected to serve more than 180,000 passengers each day by 2030.

The project also includes climate adaptation measures, such as improving drainage to reduce flooding in areas like Nyabugogo, which is often hit hard during heavy rains.

Switching to electric buses is part of Rwanda’s broader goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 38% by 2030.

IDA has played a major role in Rwanda’s development since it was founded in 1960. The organization supports about 74% of the world’s developing countries, with nearly 40% of its efforts focused in Africa. Between 2019 and 2022, IDA disbursed nearly $34.7 billion globally, 70% of which went to African nations.