The initiative, led by Ropeways Transit Rwanda Limited (RTRL), seeks to tackle traffic congestion in the capital while offering a greener alternative to road transport. Rather than replacing existing systems, the project is designed to complement Kigali's urban growth.
The idea was conceived in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when RTRL Chief Executive, Muyiwa Omololu. With Kigali's hilly terrain, fast-growing population, and limited road expansion capacity, Omololu saw an opportunity to explore aerial transport.
'Road construction and maintenance require huge government spending. Kigali is expanding rapidly. The alternative is to take transport into the skies,' he said.
Drawing inspiration from systems in La Paz, Medellín, and Mexico City, Omololu believes Kigali is well-placed to become the first African city to implement a large-scale cable car network.
Plans call for nine routes, linking high-traffic areas from residential zones to business districts, sports facilities, and leisure centres.
The Rwandan government has already granted RTRL approval to proceed, starting with two routes in phases. The first will connect Nyabugogo Bus Station to downtown Kigali, while the secondâ€"dubbed Route 10â€"will link the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) to Remera, home to Amahoro Stadium, BK Arena, and Zaria Court.
These initial routes, costing $100 million (approximately Rwf 145 billion), are expected to take 24 months to complete. A later extension will reach Sonatube and Gatenga, with the system eventually carrying up to 5,000 passengers per direction, per hourâ€"equivalent to removing 2,000 cars or 5,000 motorcycles from Kigali's roads.
Potential Dangote backing
Omololu confirmed that discussions are underway with Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote to participate in financing the project.
Dangote, recently appointed to the World Bank's Private Sector Investment Lab, is part of a global initiative linking private sector leaders to solutions for investment challenges in developing economies.
So far, the African Development Bank has pledged $500,000 (about Rwf 725 million)grant for preparatory feasibility studies, while Afreximbank, Africa50, and the Africa Finance Corporation have all signalled investment commitments.
Technology and safety
The system will be built by Doppelmayr, an Austrian company and global leader in cableway construction, with support from Outdoor Engineers (Switzerland) and Rwanda's Planet Projects.
Omololu stressed that safety is paramount, citing Doppelmayr's recovery concept, which allows cabins to automatically descend to the nearest station in case of a power cut. Sensors will also detect and halt operations if obstacles are detected on the lines.
The cable car system is expected to create around 3,000 jobs in its first phase. Rwandans will receive training to operate and maintain the technology, ensuring long-term local management.
Each cabin will carry 10 passengers, consuming minimal powerâ€"comparable to a hair dryer every two kilometres.
The project aligns with Rwanda's climate targets to cut emissions by 38% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. According to Omololu, transporting 10,000 people per hour could remove up to 2,000 vehicles from the city's roads.
Real estate and business owners also stand to benefit, as land values around the stations are expected to rise, attracting new developments.
To familiarise the public with the technology, RTRL plans a Public Adoption Programme, including study visits to Bolivia's Mi Teleférico and the creation of a demonstration site in Kigali.
Feasibility studies are set to conclude this year. If financing is secured on time, construction could begin in 2026, lasting 18â€"24 months, with operations expected to launch in 2028.
IGIHE
