The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a grant of $500,000 for a feasibility study into the first phase of a cable car transport network in Kigali, Rwanda, that will be sub-Saharan Africa’s first aerial urban transit system.
- •The funds will pave the way for the Kigali Urban Cable Car Project, a 5.5 km mobility initiative valued at $100 million.
- •Phase 1 of the project will comprise two critical transit corridors: Nyabugogo Taxi Park to the Central Business District (CBD) Hub; and the Kigali Convention Center to Kigali Sports City, connecting public landmarks such as Amahoro Stadium, BK Arena, and the newly developed Zaria Court.
- •Construction is expected to begin in late 2026, with commissioning scheduled for 2028.
“By financing Rwanda’s urban cable car system, we are investing in a scalable model of low-carbon, inclusive public transport that cities across Africa can emulate,” African Development Bank Group president Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, said.
The feasibility study plans to draw lessons from successful cable car systems in La Paz, Bolivia, and Singapore. The project implementation is expected to follow a Public-Private Partnership model, according to Imena Munyampenda, the Director General of Rwanda Transport Development Agency.
The $100 million funding structure will comprise a strategic mix of grants, concessional loans, blended finance, and technical assistance. The AfDB grant will fund an assessment of the project’s viability gap.
Once complete, the cable car will convey over 50,000 passengers a day on a 15-minute end-to-end journey, integrating into the city’s existing transport infrastructure.
