The financing, approved on June 25 by the World Bank Board of Executive Directors, will fund the second phase of the Socio-Economic Inclusion of Refugees and Host Communities Project, locally known as Jya Mbere IIâ€"meaning 'to progress' in Kinyarwanda.
The project is expected to directly benefit around 380,000 people, including 115,000 refugees and 265,000 members of host communities across six districts.
Building on the success of the first phase, Jya Mbere II aims to deepen inclusion and boost self-reliance among displaced populations while also easing pressure on surrounding communities.
The financing comes through the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA), with $27.4 million of the total allocated from the Window for Host Communities and Refugees (WHR).
'Jya Mbere II reflects Rwanda's leadership in delivering durable, inclusive solutions to displacement,' said Mathew Stephens, Lead Social Development Specialist at the World Bank. 'We are building services that support integration, jobs that create dignity, and systems that strengthen resilience.'
Under the new phase, the government plans to expand access to education, healthcare, water, roads, and marketplaces, all built to meet national and climate-resilient standards. It is expected to generate more than 10,000 jobs, particularly through labour-based public works and support for small businesses, with specific targets to ensure the inclusion of women and youth.
Key investments include road rehabilitation in Gatsibo and Kirehe districts to improve market access, as well as new or upgraded schools and health facilities to integrate refugees into national systems and ease overcrowding. The project will also establish marketplaces and production centres to boost local trade and job creation.
In addition, a "graduation programme" will support vulnerable households with training, productive assets, and access to financial services to foster long-term economic independence.
'Rwanda's development-focused approach to refugee management is setting a standard,' said Sahr Kpundeh, World Bank Country Manager for Rwanda. 'Phase II of this project moves beyond service access to deepening economic inclusion and climate resilience for thousands of families.'
To enhance community resilience against climate-related shocks, Jya Mbere II will incorporate infrastructure such as flood mitigation systems, rainwater harvesting, and landslide protection in areas like Karongi, Nyamagabe, and Kirehe.
The Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) will lead the project's implementation in collaboration with local governments, the Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA), the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), the Business Development Fund (BDF), and financial institutions. Community membersâ€"including refugeesâ€"will also take part in planning and execution through participatory processes.
Aligned with Rwanda's National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and the upcoming Refugee Sustainable Graduation Strategy (2025â€"2030), the initiative supports global efforts under the Global Compact on Refugees to integrate displaced populations into national development plans.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
