Kigali will become the first city in sub-saharan Africa to develop an urban cable car transit system, through a significant endorsement from the African Development Bank (AfDB) which has granted a $500,000 to support a full and complete feasibility study for the planned Kigali Urban Cable Car Project which is expected to transform public transportation in Rwanda’s capital.
The Aerial Cableway project is a $100 million project led by Ropeways Transit Rwanda Ltd (RTRL) and consists of a 5.5 kilometer aerial cable car route connecting a number of key sites around the city including Nyabugogo Taxi Park, CBD and Kigali Sports City. Aerial Cableway is considered a low carbon alternative to getting around the City of Kigali to address traffic that has developed over the last ten years. This project also demonstrates the AfDB’s commitment to building green and inclusive urban infrastructure.
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Connecting Kigali: A New Vision for Urban Mobility
Phase 1 will include two principal corridors, Nyabugogo to the central business district and from the Kigali Convention Center to the Kigali Sports City, which includes key public transit infrastructure such as the Amahoro Stadium, BK Arena and Zaria Court. When it is operational, the cable car system is estimated to carry over 50,000 passengers per day and will allow a full journey in 15 minutes, while also connecting to the public transportation system.
A Sustainable Transport Model for Africa
Funding for the project will be provided by grants, concessional loans, technical assistance, and blended financing to attract global investors via platforms like the Africa Investment Forum. The project is projected to start in late 2026, with operations expected in 2028.
This project will put Kigali at the forefront of implementing smart and climate resilient transport solutions for cities across Africa.
