Rwanda Makes Strides in Congo-Nile Ridge Restoration

Mugisha R. John — 2026-01-19T14:59:23Z

Rwanda's project to restore the Congo-Nile Ridge has reached 20 percent completion, officials said on Thursday last week, marking progress in efforts to combat soil erosion, conserve water, and support agriculture.

The Congo-Nile Divide (CND) project covers 10 districts in western and southern Rwanda, including Musanze, Nyabihu, Rubavu, Ngororero, Rutsiro, Karongi, Nyamasheke, Rusizi, Nyamagabe, and Nyaruguru. The ridge, a chain of hills separating the Nile and Congo River watersheds, has faced erosion and wildfires that disrupted local ecosystems.

Jean Claude Ngendambizi, a worker managing tree seedlings, said he earns 4,000 RWF ($3.80) per day.

“This project helps us pay for health insurance, school fees, and savings programs,” he said. “It protects farmland that was previously lost to erosion.” The project includes planting indigenous trees, building contour terraces, protecting riverbanks, and restoring 1,500 hectares in Nyungwe National Park and 500 hectares in Gishwati-Mukura National Park.

Dr. Emmanuel Rukundo, director-general of the Rwanda Water Resources Board, said degraded ridges pollute rivers and raise water treatment and hydropower costs. “Water is life. Polluted water spreads disease and damages infrastructure,” he said.

Dr. Concorde Nsengumuremyi, director-general of the Rwanda Forestry Authority, said indigenous trees resist disease, tolerate climate change, filter polluted air, and provide wildlife habitats. “We also plan to restore 1,000 hectares of degraded land and build terraces in Karongi and Rutsiro,” he said.

Launched in 2024, the project is scheduled to finish in 2028 with a cost exceeding 66 billion RWF ($63million). Officials said early progress offers confidence the initiative will achieve its environmental and economic goals.

Rwanda Moves to Build Resilience as Disasters Cost Nation Billions Each Year

Mugisha John — 2025-10-24T07:35:00Z

Rwanda loses more than Rwf 210 billion annually to natural disasters, and officials warn the costs could rise if preventive measures are not strengthened. The Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) released a report Thursday, October 23, detailing the economic impact of disasters and outlining strategies to reduce risks before they occur.

The report, presented during a national dialogue on disaster management coinciding with the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, shows government spending on disasters has steadily increased since 2014, reaching 1–2 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 4.3 percent of total public expenditures.

Domestic resources cover 78 percent of disaster response costs, while international partners contribute 22 percent, mainly through emergency relief aid.

MINEMA has introduced five key strategies to build resilience: preparing financial mechanisms in advance, aligning disaster financing with national policies, strengthening public-private cooperation, enhancing awareness and capacity building, and supporting Rwanda's Vision 2035 goal of a resilient economy.

Minister of Emergency Management Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Albert Murasira said the government is shifting focus from reactive measures to proactive resilience building. “We plan to strengthen resilience so the impact of disasters is reduced,” Murasira said. “Often, we respond after people are already affected. Building resilience now will lessen future crises.”

He emphasized that citizens also have a role to play. “Government policies alone are not enough,” he said. “Individuals must make informed decisions, such as avoiding construction in high-risk areas. Protecting the environment is also crucial, as it reduces disaster risks.”

Justin Kayira, Head of Disaster Management at World Vision Rwanda, said the measures will empower communities to better protect themselves. “Strengthening local capacity and improving livelihoods allows people to reduce vulnerability and recover faster from disasters,” he said.

The report warns that without stronger preventive actions, disasters could cost Rwanda up to $345 million in a single year within the next 50 years. Officials say building resilience is essential to protecting lives, livelihoods, and the country's economic stability.

Vision Media

Rwanda Makes Strides in Congo-Nile Ridge Restoration

Rwanda Moves to Build Resilience as Disasters Cost Nation Billions Each Year