Japan and Rwanda Signed an Exchange of Notes and Grant Agreement to Introduce Intelligent Transport System in Kigali City (October 5, 2023)

On October 5, 2023 (Thursday) at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) office, H.E. Mr. Isao FUKUSHIMA, Ambassador of Japan to Rwanda and Hon. Dr. NDAGIJIMANA Uzziel, the Minister of MINECOFIN signed an Exchange of Notes (E/N) concerning a Grant Aid of 2,009 million Japanese Yen (Approximately 14.6 million USD). The grant will be used to finance “the Project for the Introduction of Intelligent Transport System in Kigali City”.

On the same occasion, Ms. Minako SHIOTSUKA, Chief Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a Grant Agreement (G/A) with Hon. Dr. NDAGIJIMANA for the same project.
 

The project will contribute to the improvement of traffic flow and safety in Kigali through the development of a traffic control system and signal control system together with intersection improvements. The population of Kigali will considerably benefit from the project as it will reduce congestions which will make it timesaving.
 
The works will include the installation of traffic lights at selected 20 junctions with connecting the fiber network and establish the traffic control center in City of Kigali which will have the interconnection with the traffic police system. The project will also work on the improvement of intersection to improve the traffic flow.
 
At the ceremony, Minister NDAGIJIMANA said, “The intelligent transport system will be a game changer in terms of reducing congestion improving safety, mobility, convenience and efficiency of transport within and through Kigali. Efficient and sustainable transport system is critical for accelerating trade, which benefits businesses and boosts the economy.”
 
Ambassador FUKUSHIMA said, “Considering that Rwanda is known as a “land linked” country, it has an integral role to play as the nodal point between the “Central and Northern Corridor” which enhance the connectivity between coastal and inland. Rwanda is expected to expedite the trade in the region and continent under The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA)”. Ambassador FUKSUHIMA concluded his remarks by saying “It is the sincere hope of the Government and the people of Japan that this Grant aid will contribute to improve the lives of Rwandan people and economic development of the country.”.
 
The project is aligned with “Ease of mobility and efficient transport “in the fourth pillar “Urbanizations and Agglomeration” in the Vision 2050, aiming at “Economic Growth and Prosperity” and “High Quality and Standards of Life for Rwandans”.

Japan has been supporting the Government of Rwanda in the wide range of sectors. In the infrastructure sector, Japan has provided support to Rwanda through JICA to develop economic infrastructures such as one-stop border post and road improvements as well as substations and distribution network. In addition, Japan’s support in the water sector have been embodied in various grant aid projects and technical cooperation aiming at strengthening water supply infrastructure and improving operation and maintenance of water supply system.