The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), the economic development arm of the UAE, signed an agreement with Rwanda to provide a concessionary loan valued at $15 million to finance the Rambura–Nyange section of the Rubengera-Muhanga road project.

 

The financed project will support Rwanda government’s strategic transportation infrastructure development programme - a core component of its broader national economic transformation strategy.

 

The loan agreement was signed by ADFD Director General Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi and Ambassador of Rwanda to the UAE Emmanuel Hategeka in the presence of ADFD Deputy Director General Khalifa Abdullah Al Qubaisi and several senior officials from both sides.

 

The Rwanda road rehabilitation project of Rubengera–Muhanga covers 61 km connecting the country’s Southern and Western provinces. In addition to major repairs, it includes expanding the width of the road from six metres to 7.5 metres while adding shoulders and rebuilding water drains.

 

ADFD will support development of a 22-kilometre roadway running between the towns of Rambura and Nyange.

 

ADFD Director General Al Suwaidi said: “Improving road infrastructure is a key pillar of the continued economic development and social growth strategy of Rwanda. While it brings numerous benefits, one major impact is that it will better connect trade routes across multiple Central African nations, a region that represents growing international trade potential for the UAE. 

 

"ADFD’s support of this strategic project will directly benefit the Rwandan people while also contributing to economic growth in the African region and expand trade opportunities.”

 

Rwanda Ambassador Hategeka said: “Improving the Rwandan road infrastructure was a key pillar of the success of the Rwanda Vision 2020 and will continue to be as we implement Vision 2050. Strengthening the connection of our rural and urban centres contributes to many aspects of our national economic and social development agenda, touching everything from small and medium enterprises, trade, travel and tourism to food security. 

 

"We have a long history working in co-operation with Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and the United Arab Emirates and greatly value their support on this important infrastructure development project.”

 

The project is expected to reduce travel times between cities, increase road safety and improve access to employment opportunities, healthcare and education facilities for residents. The improved roads will also better accommodate heavy trucks and promote an increase in cross border trade among neighbouring countries, including Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

 

This is the second project ADFD has supported in Rwanda in a relationship that started in 1981 with the AED14m construction of the Kigali International Airport in the nation’s capital city.-TradeArabia News Service