Rwanda has secured a fresh infusion of $500,000 to advance its pioneering urban cable-car transport system, positioning Kigali to become the first African capital with aerial transit lines serving everyday commuters.
The funding, added to previous allocations, comes as Kigali’s city authorities and Ropeways Transit Rwanda Limited (RTRL) accelerate final planning and technical development for an aerial ropeways network set to link key hills and high-traffic neighborhoods across the city. The system is being designed to ease congestion on Kigali’s notoriously steep and winding roads, offering a fast, car-free alternative for commuters.
RTRL obtained a concession in April 2024 to develop three primary cable-car lines. These routes, often referred to as the “backbone” of the planned network, were the focus of a feasibility study completed in December 2023. The newly injected funds will support detailed engineering work, station design, and beginning of essential civil works—including lift towers and boarding platforms.
Officials note that cable-car systems are cost-effective and quick to build compared to underground or elevated rail, and are particularly well-suited to Kigali’s hilly topography. The aim is to begin phased construction during 2026, with initial service expected either late that year or in early 2027.
The system’s targeted impact includes reducing road congestion, promoting green transport, and enhancing urban mobility equity. The cable-car initiative is envisioned as a companion to other ongoing projects, such as the city’s ring road and bus rapid transit developments, in Kigali’s broader vision to build an integrated, climate-friendly transport network.
The $500,000 boost underscores Rwanda’s strategy to leverage innovative infrastructure solutions and public-private partnerships in tackling urban mobility challenges.
