KIGALI, RWANDA – May 10, 2016 – The Government of Rwanda in partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) today launched the National Road Map for Green Secondary Cities Development in Rwanda, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa event in Kigali.
The National Roadmap will support Rwanda’s Green Growth and Climate Resilient Strategy and serve as an implementation tool for the country’s Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS2).
Today’s launch event was attended by His Excellency James Musoni, Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Chanho Park, GGGI’s Director of Programs, mayors from the six secondary cities of Muhanga, Rubavu, Nyagatare, Huye, Rusizi and Musanze, as well as development partners and other distinguished guests.
The launch event included a panel discussion titled, “The Way Forward on the Green Urbanization of Secondary Cities in Rwanda”, which generated panelist ideas and positions on developing cities as economic and social development centers.
The Government of Rwanda’s Vision 2020 has set a goal to grow the country’s urban population from the current 17% to 35% over the next 4 years.  In this context, the National Roadmap will provide key actions and practical planning guidance to policy makers  working to transform the six secondary cities into poles of economic development.
“The Roadmap provides simple but tangible actions to facilitate our quest to transition to a ‘green economy’ approach to economic transformation,” said H.E. James Musoni, Minister of Infrastructure.  “The development of Rwanda’s secondary cities as poles of economic growth with balanced development opportunities will enable sustainable livelihood and poverty reduction.”
GGGI has supported these efforts since 2012, through its partnership with the Rwanda’s National Fund for Environment and Climate Change (FONERWA), and work to develop the country’s green growth and climate resilient green cities.
“The National Roadmap is the result of continuous collaboration with stakeholders, which will help ensure that Rwanda’s growing urban populations benefit from green and sustainable city development,” said Dr. Chanho Park, GGGI Director of Programs.
With the launch of the National Roadmap complete, GGGI and its Rwandan partners will begin building necessary capacity to support implementation, and prioritize actions that will develop into   investment plans and bankable projects.