KIGALI, Rwanda — The transformation of Kigali’s road transport network has taken a significant leap forward as ground-level implementation of the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) project gains major momentum across the capital.
Backed by a 2.009 billion Japanese Yen (approximately $14.6 million) grant aid agreement signed in October 2023 between the Government of Rwanda and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the comprehensive initiative aims to eliminate chronic traffic bottlenecks, enhance road safety, and prioritize public transport throughout the city. During the funding’s signing, Rwanda’s Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, stated that the system “will be a game changer in terms of reducing congestion improving safety, mobility, convenience and efficiency,” noting its critical role in accelerating trade and boosting the wider economy.
Modernizing Kigali’s Arteries
Kigali’s rapid urban expansion and distinctive hilly terrain have long presented unique mobility challenges. With widening physical roadways limited by topography, the city has turned toward technological optimization.
At the center of this overhaul is the deployment of Moderato, Japan’s advanced adaptive traffic signal control system. Unlike legacy timed signals, the system relies on high-resolution road sensors to dynamically measure traffic volume, adjusting green-light durations in real time based on actual congestion levels across key transit corridors. A newly established Traffic Control Center is serving as the project’s nerve center. This facility directly integrates with the Rwanda National Police’s monitoring operations and leverages an expanded fiber-optic network across the metropolis.
Priority Corridors and Upgrades
The rollout strategy targets high-demand routes, including the central axis linking Downtown Kigali, Sonatubes, and Remera, integrating dedicated bus lanes (DBLs) with specialized bus-priority signals.
Key infrastructure milestones currently being executed under the project scope include:
Signalized Upgrades at 20 Strategic Junctions: Phased replacement of standard roundabouts and manual police direction with integrated smart lights connected to the fiber network.
Junction Remodeling: Re-engineering high-density bottlenecks most notably the Rwandex and Gisozi (Kinamba) intersections to streamline vehicle merges and accommodate planned multilevel passages.
Smart Passenger Infrastructure: Rollout of modern smart bus shelters equipped with real-time route displays, passenger Wi-Fi, and integrated solar lighting.
A Coordinated Urban Vision
The ITS implementation is managed jointly by a Single Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) under the Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA), the City of Kigali, and the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA), in close collaboration with JICA technical consultants.
The initiative is designed to operate seamlessly alongside Rwanda’s broader green mobility targets, which include the ongoing electrification of the public transport fleet, and is directly aligned with the “Ease of mobility and efficient transport” pillar of Rwanda’s Vision 2050 framework. As Japanese Ambassador Isao Fukushima noted, the project not only aids local commuters but reinforces Rwanda’s integral role as a nodal transport point for the region’s broader Central and Northern Corridors. Once fully integrated, the system is projected to significantly cut average transit times, lower fuel waste from idling vehicles, and set a new standard for technology-driven urban mobility in East Africa.
