October 5, 2023,

Dr. Uzziel, Ndagijimana, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning and H.E. Mr. Isao FUKUSHIMA, Ambassador of Japan to Rwanda signed an Exchange of Notes (E/N) concerning a Grant Aid of 2,009 million Japanese Yen (approximately US$ 14.6 million grant to finance Intelligent Transport System in Kigali City. On the same occasion, Ms. Minako SHIOTSUKA, Chief Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a Grant Agreement (G/A) with Minister Ndagijimana for the same project.

The project will contribute to the improvement of traffic flow and safety in Kigali through the development of a traffic control system and signal control system together with intersection improvements. The population of Kigali will considerably benefit from the project as it will reduce congestions which will make it timesaving.

The works will include the installation of traffic lights at selected 20 junctions with connecting the fiber network and establish the traffic control center in City of Kigali which will have the interconnection with the traffic police system. The project will also work on the improvement of intersection to improve the traffic flow.

Minister NDAGIJIMANA said, “The intelligent transport system will be a game changer in terms of reducing congestion improving safety, mobility, convenience and efficiency of transport within and through Kigali. Efficient and sustainable transport system is critical for accelerating trade, which benefits businesses and boosts the economy.”

Ambassador FUKUSHIMA said, “Given that Rwanda is a land linked country, it has an integral role to play as the nodal point between the “Central and Northern Corridor”. Rwanda is expected to expedite the trade in the region and continent under The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA)”. “It is the sincere hope of the Government and the people of Japan that this Grant assistance will contribute to improve the lives of Rwandan people and economic development of the country.” Ambassador FUKSUHIMA concluded.

The project is aligned with “Ease of mobility and efficient transport “in the fourth pillar “Urbanizations and Agglomeration” in the Vision 2050, aiming at “Economic Growth and Prosperity” and “High Quality and Standards of Life for Rwandans”.

Japan has been supporting the Government of Rwanda in the infrastructure sector through JICA, mainly developing the economic infrastructures such as one-stop border post, road improvements, improvement of Substations and Distribution Network, and in water sector, strengthening water supply infrastructure, and operation and maintenance of water supply system through grant aid project as well as technical cooperation.