A new transport initiative is set to transform daily life in Kigali. The city is preparing to launch the construction of what will become sub-Saharan Africa’s first urban cable car system — a bold step towards inclusive, sustainable urban mobility. Spanning a projected 5.5 kilometers, the cable car will enable end-to-end travel in just 15 minutes, directly benefiting more than 50,000 people each day. Universal access is a top priority, with the system designed to accommodate people with disabilities, youth, and low-income workers, ensuring dignified and reliable transportation for all.
Phase one of the project will connect key locations including the Nyabugogo Taxi Park, Kigali’s Central Business District, the Kigali Convention Centre, and the Kigali Sports City. It will also link major public landmarks such as Amahoro Stadium, BK Arena, and the newly developed Zaria Court. These connections will enhance urban integration and open up new opportunities for residents who have long been isolated by a lack of accessible transit.
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Beyond the technical scope, the project carries a strong social dimension. It will promote the hiring of women and vulnerable youth, support technology transfer, and establish local training programs so that communities benefit not only from the service, but also from its development and operation.
The cable car will run on clean electricity and integrate with the city’s existing transport infrastructure. This will significantly improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions — aligning with Rwanda’s national climate goals of cutting emissions by 38% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Inspired by successful examples like the Mi Teleférico system in La Paz, Bolivia, and Singapore’s cable car network, Kigali’s project illustrates how aerial transport can effectively connect peripheral neighborhoods and promote social inclusion in growing cities. Construction is expected to begin in late 2026, with full operations planned for 2028. Once completed, Kigali will not only gain a new transport system but also take a meaningful step toward becoming a more just, inclusive, and people-centered city.
