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Five major infrastructure projects set to give Rwanda’s capital Kigali a new look

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A blueprint of Inzovu Mall under construction in Gasabo district, Kigali city.

The year 2024 will mark the reshaping of Kigali with new mega structures being completed or taking shape. It is the same year that Rwanda will head to polls and that implies that the the City of Kigali will be poised for a breathtaking transformation and taking stock of the achievement made in the last seven years.


Although Rwanda has achieved a lot under the leadership of President Paul Kagame in the last seven years and the years before, a series of ambitious mega projects are set to redefine the cityscape and usher in a new era of prosperity and innovation.


Here's an in-depth look at these transformative endeavors that will reshape Kigali:


Amahoro National Stadium


Amahoro National Stadium, beloved by Rwandans for decades, is undergoing a remarkable transformation. With a staggering budget of approximately $170 million, this ambitious project will expand the stadium's capacity from 25,000 seats to a FIFA-standard 45,000-seat arena.


This transformation will include meticulously designed features such as a hybrid grass pitch, spacious VIP skyboxes, commercial premises, and comprehensive accessibility improvements.


The aim is to create a year-round entertainment hub for sports enthusiasts and spectators.


It will not only meet FIFA standards but also optimize the relationship between players and fans, making it an exceptional sporting venue.


Inzovu Mall


Inzovu Mall, a cutting-edge shopping center, is set to redefine the retail landscape of Kigali.


Developed by distinguished French firm, Groupe Duval, in collaboration with a local entrepreneur, this multi-million-dollar project is slated for completion by September 2025.


With an estimated cost of $68 million, Inzovu Mall will be a multifaceted hub, housing not only a four-star hotel and contemporary office block but also a diverse range of retail outlets, hypermarkets, top-notch restaurants, conference rooms, and more.


The mall's visionary plans also include a duty-free section, poised to introduce international brands to Rwanda, further enhancing the country's appeal to global visitors.


Inzovu Mall aligns perfectly with Rwanda's vision for sustainable growth and development. It will not only enhance the tourism experience but also contribute significantly to job creation and economic prosperity.


Zaria Court


Located in close proximity to Amahoro National Stadium, Zaria Court is a groundbreaking urban development project that promises to be a cornerstone of community, culture, and sustainability.


Set to be completed in early 2025, this multifunctional facility will have taken shape in 2024 and already will be showing a change in the face of Kigali by then. It is designed to cater to a wide range of needs.


Zaria Court will feature an 80-room boutique hotel, contemporary restaurants, co-working spaces, a podcast studio, and a versatile multi-purpose court for sporting events, festivals, and performances.


What sets it apart is its unwavering commitment to sustainability, achieved through the innovative use of repurposed shipping containers, creating an environmentally friendly retail space that supports women-owned businesses and local entrepreneurs.


IRCAD Africa: Pioneering healthcare innovation 


Rwanda is set to inaugurate IRCAD Africa, a groundbreaking research institute focused on digestive cancer, on October 7.


Affiliated with the renowned IRCAD in France, this state-of-the-art center is poised to become a training ground for the next generation of surgeons specializing in minimally invasive surgery.


This development promises to reduce the cost and duration of cancer surgeries, marking a significant milestone in Rwanda's healthcare sector.


IRCAD Africa has been operational since 2019, with a strong emphasis on research and development in areas such as automated 3D modeling, surgical planning, and augmented reality.


The center's commitment to artificial intelligence research positions it as a hub for healthcare innovation in Africa, drawing talented surgeons and engineers from across the continent.


Kigali Innovation City


Kigali Innovation City (KIC), with an impressive budget of $2 billion, is poised to become Africa's epicenter for tech and innovation.


This visionary project, supported by the Government of Rwanda and Africa50, aims to create a collaborative ecosystem that nurtures startups, innovative companies, academia, and more.


KIC's sprawling 61.9-hectare mixed-use development integrates universities, offices, residential housing, retail facilities, and a hotel in a smart and environmentally conscious manner. This design fosters collaboration and knowledge transfer, facilitating the creation and commercialization of groundbreaking ideas.


A key player in KIC is CMU-Africa, a world-class learning institution that sits on 6,000 square meters and can accommodate up to 300 graduate students. It boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including specialized labs and modern technology for distance education and teleconferencing.


CMU-Africa's role in building the technology ecosystem is pivotal, as it educates future leaders who will drive technology innovation across the continent.


With a concentration of game-changing startups, innovative companies, financial investors, and academia, KIC is set to accelerate Rwanda's digital economy and transform the nation into a Pan-African hub for tech and innovation.


These mega projects are not just altering the physical landscape of Kigali; they are paving the way for a future marked by prosperity, innovation, and global recognition.


As these transformative endeavors continue to unfold, the world watches with anticipation, eager to witness the bright future that lies ahead for this dynamic African city.


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