Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, has welcomed the enthusiasm and excitement among residents of Kinyinya Sector for the flagship Green City Kigali project. The Minister was conducting her first visit to the 620-hectare site during which she shared with residents that the project will bring a new kind of sustainable, affordable and inclusive urban living.

Minister Mujawamariya was joined by Germany’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Dr Thomas Kurz, Permanent Secretary Patrick Karera, Rwanda Green Fund CEO Hubert Ruzibiza, and representatives from the Green City Kigali team.

The project is one of a number of transformational green growth projects being implemented by the Rwanda Green Fund, and is the result of ongoing collaboration between different institutions including the Ministry of Infrastructure, the City of Kigali, German Cooperation through KFW and the international Green Climate Fund (GCF).

During the visit, the fund’s CEO, Hubert Ruzibiza, and Project Team Leader, Mark Warren, gave an overview of the project and shared that it aims to set a new standard for affordable housing and sustainable urban development in Rwanda and in Africa.

“Through the Green City Kigali project, we are bringing sustainable development to those living in Kinyinya. We are grateful for the support of the local community and they are eagerly awaiting the kick-off of activities here at the site,” said Minister Mujawamariya.

Sharing his excitement for the project, local resident Revelien Kabera said: “We are excited about the Green City Kigali. It will create green jobs and definitely change our lives.”

The half-day site visit was also an occasion to learn about the progress and future plans of the project. Dorothea Groth, Head of Cooperation at the German Embassy in Kigali, shared when the construction is likely to start: “After the design competition concludes, a construction plan will be developed. We expect this to take place in the next 12 months or so after which construction works will begin,” she said.

As a flagship green growth project, the Green City Kigali will provide green and affordable housing in the Kinyinya neighborhood of the capital and serve as a model for sustainable urban development, connecting affordable housing with climate change adaptation and mitigation measures. 

Learn more about the Green City Kigali project here.

View photos from the site visit here.