UAE’s leading financial institution, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has signed an agreement with the Government of Rwanda to offer a concessionary loan valued at $15 million (AED55 million) to finance the Rambura–Nyange section of the Rubengera-Muhanga road project.
The road project will support the Rwanda government’s strategic transportation infrastructure development program, which is a key component of the country’s overall national economic transformation strategy.
According to the statement, “The Rwanda road rehabilitation project of Rubengera – Muhanga covers 61 kilometers connecting the country’s Southern and Western Provinces. In addition to major road repairs, it includes expanding the width of the road from 6 meters to 7.5 meters while adding shoulders and rebuilding water drains.”
The road renovation project will connect urban and rural communities in and around Muhanga, Rwanda’s major metropolitan area in the Southern Province, and Karongi, Rwanda’s Western Province. ADFD will support the development of a 22-kilometer roadway running between the towns of Rambura and Nyange.
Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi Director-General ADFD
“Improving road infrastructure is a key pillar of the continued economic development and social growth strategy of Rwanda. While it brings numerous benefits, one major impact is that it will better connect trade routes across multiple Central African nations, a region that represents growing international trade potential for the UAE. ADFD’s support of this strategic project will directly benefit the Rwandan people while also contributing to economic growth in the African region and expand trade opportunities.”
HE Emmanuel Hategeka, Ambassador of Rwanda to the UAE said, “Improving the Rwandan road infrastructure was a key pillar of the success of the Rwanda Vision 2020 and will continue to be as we implement Vision 2050. Strengthening the connection of our rural and urban centers contributes to so many aspects of our national economic and social development agenda, touching everything from small and medium enterprises, trade, travel, and tourism to food security.”
The program will significantly reduce travel times between cities, enhance road safety, and expand inhabitants’ access to job opportunities, healthcare, and educational institutions. The enhanced roads will also make it easier for huge trucks to pass through, boosting cross-border trade between Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
