“The most important lesson our country has learned is to transform challenges into opportunities and to use a little to achieve a lot. There is nothing Rwandans cannot overcome through unity, hard work, and perseverance,” declared Paul Kagame, Chairman of the RPF-Inkotanyi, on April 7, 2023.
This Sunday, August 11, 66-year-old Paul Kagame will take the oath for his fourth term as President of the Republic of Rwanda. The inauguration, set to take place at the newly launched Amahoro Stadium, is anticipated to draw dignitaries from around the globe.
As President Kagame begins his new term, we examine some of the key areas that will be the focus of the government’s agenda.
Healthcare
The health sector is poised for significant expansion. Plans include increasing the healthcare workforce and strengthening their capacity, constructing new hospitals, and rehabilitating existing ones. There will be a continued focus on preventing and treating both communicable and non-communicable diseases. Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) services will be scaled up, and efforts are underway to reduce stunting among children from 33% to 15% by 2029.
Education
To improve the quality of education, there will be an increase in the number and capability of teachers, enhanced educational infrastructure, and improved curricula. The government plans to expand the number of classrooms across all levels, boost student enrollment, and reduce dropout rates. The School Feeding Program will be reinforced, and support for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions will be bolstered.
Kigali’s Transformation
Kigali is set for a series of transformative projects starting with Nyabugogo bus terminal, which will receive a major upgrade with a new, larger bus terminal designed to streamline movement within Kigali and facilitate connections with other regions and neighboring countries. This project, a collaboration between the city administration and the World Bank, is scheduled to start in 2025 and be completed by 2027.
Several suburbs will be developed into model villages featuring asphalt roads, pedestrian pathways, and essential infrastructure such as health centers, markets, and schools.
Additionally, Kigali will see the creation of a new wholesale market for horticulture in the special economic zone. Estimated at $51.6 million (over Rwf 67 billion), this market aims to be the largest in East Africa.
The city will also continue its road construction efforts, including key routes like Mulindi-Gasogi-Rusororo-Kabuga and Miduha-Mageragere. The development of feeder roads will address public transport challenges, and Dedicated Bus Lane (DBL) systems will be introduced in busy corridors during peak hours.
In terms of green initiatives, the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) has embarked on rehabilitating five degraded wetlands—Kibumba, Nyabugogo, Rugenge-Rwintare, Rwampara, and Gikondo—transforming them into recreational areas. This $80 million project will enhance the city’s landscape, provide recreational opportunities, mitigate flooding, improve biodiversity, and enhance water quality.
Over the past seven years, Rwanda has made significant strides. Economic achievements include the development of a Masterplan guiding the nation through 2050, the creation of model villages, and a dramatic increase in electricity access from 38% in 2017 to 76%. In Kigali, new buses have been introduced to ease transport, and major renovations have been completed at Kigali and Kamembe airports, with the construction of Bugesera airport in its initial phase.
On the sports front, the Amahoro National Stadium has been refurbished, increasing its capacity from 25,000 to 45,000 seats. Other notable sports facilities include Bugesera Stadium, Huye Stadium, Ngoma Stadium, and Nyagatare Stadium.
The remarkable progress Rwanda has achieved over the past three decades is largely attributed to the effective leadership of President Paul Kagame. As he embarks on another term, the confidence of Rwandans in his leadership remains strong, and their commitment to supporting his vision for the country’s continued prosperity is unwavering.
