KIGALI — The Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA) and its affiliated agencies are set to execute a massive 843.4 billion Frw budget for the 2026/2027 fiscal year, aimed at building, upgrading, and maintaining critical national infrastructure.
During a recent presentation to the Parliamentary Committee on National Budget and Patrimony, chaired by MP Odette Uwamariya, MININFRA and its specialized agencies—REG, WASAC, RHA, and RTDA—outlined an ambitious pipeline of projects spanning energy, water, transport, and housing. These investments are framed as essential pillars for Rwanda’s continued economic development and improved civilian welfare.
Here is a breakdown of how the massive infrastructure budget will be utilized across key sectors:
Powering the Nation: Energy and Electricity (REG)
The Rwanda Energy Group (REG) presented 19 major projects focused on expanding electricity generation and access. Energy remains a top priority for daily life and industrial growth.
Key energy investments include:
Nyabarongo II Hydropower Plant: Allocated over 149.8 billion Frw for the upcoming fiscal year, this flagship project will generate 43.5 megawatts (MW). It features a multipurpose dam designed to ensure consistent power generation while providing water for agricultural irrigation. Completion is targeted for December 2027.
ASCENT Project: The Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation project will receive 44.4 billion Frw to expand rural electrification.
Transmission Grid Expansion: Backed by South Korea’s Exim Bank, this project is allocated 15.2 billion Frw to expand high-voltage transmission lines. An additional 34.9 billion Frw is earmarked for reinforcing the existing grid.
Regional Electrification: 1.1 billion Frw is dedicated to extending electricity in the Nyamagabe and Nyaruguru districts.
Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Funds will also be directed toward expanding government fuel storage facilities to a capacity of 60 million liters to ensure energy security.
Clean Water and Sanitation (WASAC)
To address water scarcity and reduce non-revenue water (water lost to leaks or theft), the Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC) outlined several high-impact water treatment and distribution projects:
Nzovu Water Treatment Plant Upgrade: Allocated 9.09 billion Frw to increase its production capacity from 40,000 to 65,000 cubic meters per day.
Kigali Bulk Water Supply: 14 billion Frw is set aside to improve distribution networks, particularly in Kigali neighborhoods like Gisozi and Nyarutarama.
Water Plant Construction: Expected to produce 40,000 cubic meters daily, this new facility is designed to permanently resolve water shortages in Musanze City and the Burera, Nyabihu, and Rubavu districts.
Additional Water Plants: Ongoing construction and expansion will continue at the Mwange plant (23,000 m³/day), Sake plant, the Nyaruguru-Huye-Gisagara supply network (24,000 m³/day), and the Karenge plant.
Sanitation: 12 billion Frw will be invested in the ongoing management and upgrading of the Nduba landfill, alongside new wastewater treatment facilities.
Expanding the Road Network (RTDA)
The Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA) plans to heavily invest in paving new roads, upgrading existing highways, and improving urban mobility to facilitate trade.
Major roadworks include:
National Highway Upgrades: Upgrading major arteries including Kigali–Muhanga (45 km), Base–Butaro (63 km), Ngoma–Ramiro (53 km), and Kibaya–Rukira–Nasho (33 km).
Kigali Urban Roads: The 10-kilometer Prince House–Giporoso–Masaka road will be rehabilitated. Additionally, the KUTI project will construct major junctions at Chez Lando, Gishushu, and Sonatube to ease traffic congestion.
Airport Expressway: Construction of a 11.6-kilometer Express Way leading directly to the new Kigali International Airport in Bugesera.
Other Key Routes: Paving the Zindiro–Masizi–Birembo–Kami–Gasanze road (10.1 km), Cyamitsingi–Bibare–Zindiro, Nyabugogo–Jabana, Nyacyonga–Mukoto, and several routes linking Base-Butaro-Kidaho and Ngoma-Nyanza.
Ports and Feeder Roads: RTDA will also continue the construction of commercial ports on Lake Kivu and expand the rural feeder road network to connect farmers to markets.
Housing and Urban Development (RHA)
The Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA) highlighted its focus on improving settlement planning and urban development, particularly within the City of Kigali. Furthermore, RHA confirmed that the ongoing structural renovations to the Huye Regional Stadium will continue under the new budget.
The Parliamentary Committee on National Budget and Patrimony is currently reviewing these proposals as part of the broader 2026/2027 national budget hearings before final approval.
