The initiative covers five rehabilitated wetlands in Kigali City: Nyabugogo, Gikondo, Kibumba, Rwampara, and Rugenge-Rwintare, which are being developed as part of the city's broader environmental restoration and urban development agenda. Interested parties have until July 4, 2026, to submit their applications.
According to RDB, eligible applicants may include private companies, non-governmental organisations, investment firms, or consortia of organisations. Interested parties are required to demonstrate strong technical expertise, financial capacity, and proven management capability to sustainably operate and manage the wetlands.
Applicants must also show the ability to manage infrastructure and staff, provide professional and inclusive security, conserve biodiversity, and deliver visitor services and environmental education. They are further expected to develop sustainable financial models outlining how the wetlands will generate revenue and attract investment.
In addition, the selected partner will be responsible for engaging surrounding communities and stakeholders to raise awareness of wetland conservation and environmental protection. This includes collaboration with local institutions, small financial entities, adjacent landowners, and relevant government agencies.
The management of the wetlands will be overseen by a Kigali City committee responsible for developed wetland parks, which will also provide strategic guidance on conservation and service delivery. The committee brings together representatives from RDB, the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA), REMA, the City of Kigali, the Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB), and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN).
The five wetlands cover a combined area of 491 hectares, distributed across Gikondo (162 ha), Nyabugogo (131 ha), Kibumba (68 ha), Rwampara (65 ha), and Rugenge-Rwintare (65 ha). They have been developed in line with Kigali's Master Plan Vision 2050, which designates 25% of the city for environmental conservation and recreation to improve urban livability and promote tourism.
The project builds on the success of Nyandungu Eco-Park, a restored wetland linking Gasabo and Kicukiro districts that has become a model for urban ecological parks, attracting both local and international visitors. Nyandungu Eco-Park, covering 164.8 hectares, integrates biodiversity conservation, recreation, and urban tourism. In 2025, it received 111,842 visitors and continues to provide daily employment opportunities.
Under the new project, the Kibumba and Gikondo wetlands will feature mixed-use recreational and commercial facilities, including restaurants, retail shops, fitness areas, tea and coffee outlets, event spaces, fish ponds, children's play areas, sports courts, gardens, and a culinary training school.
Meanwhile, the Nyabugogo Wetland will be developed with a 'lake-like' recreational concept, featuring boat rides, relaxation areas, food and beverage outlets, parking facilities, and small retail spaces.
The rehabilitation works for the five wetlands began in March 2024 under the Second Rwanda Urban Development Project (RUDP II). By early June 2026, Phase One of the works had reached 94% completion.
The first phase, which utilized USD 36 million in mobilized funding, focused on essential land development, hydraulic infrastructure, and engineering works. Phase Two, estimated at USD 46 million, is designed to actively attract private capital for the construction of commercial infrastructure, including restaurants, parking areas, libraries, and sports and entertainment facilities.
Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/rwanda-seeks-long-term-manager-and-financier-for-kigali-wetlands-park/
