Rwanda is urbanising rapidly. In 2022, more than 27% of its population, approximately 3.7 million people, lived in urban areas. Under its 2025 National Urbanisation Policy, the country aims to increase this share to 52% by 2035 and 70% by 2050. 

While urbanisation creates opportunities for jobs, better services and economic growth, it also raises a critical question: how can Rwanda ensure that its growing cities are inclusive, well-planned and climate-resilient, particularly for vulnerable households?

The Inclusive and Climate-Proof Urban Development of Rwandan Satellite Cities (CLIMURBA) project addresses this challenge in Rwamagana and Bugesera, Eastern Province. Running from December 2024 to December 2029, the project seeks to improve living conditions, particularly for people living in informal settlements, with a contribution of EUR 10 million from the European Union (EU).

CLIMURBA works with the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA), the Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA), the Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA), district authorities, development partners, communities and the private sector. Its actions combine physical and social infrastructure, informal settlement upgrading, improved digital services and stronger urban planning. 

The project also promotes community participation, affordable housing, public space management, green and circular construction, and institutional capacity to plan, coordinate and deliver sustainable infrastructure that responds to local needs and climate risks.

At the heart of CLIMURBA are people and their everyday needs: safer homes, better access to essential services, improved neighbourhoods and opportunities to shape their communities. Climate-resilient planning can help cities prepare for environmental risks, while inclusive approaches aim to ensure that vulnerable groups benefit from urban development rather than being left behind.

Lasting transformation, however, requires more than infrastructure. It depends on effective institutions, coordinated planning, community involvement and sustainable management of investments. By bringing public institutions, districts, communities and private actors together, CLIMURBA supports a more integrated approach to managing urban growth.

By 2029, CLIMURBA aims to contribute to better living conditions and more inclusive, smart and climate-resilient cities in Rwamagana and Bugesera. Its wider ambition is to help Rwanda prepare for an urban future where cities are not only larger, but also safer, more liveable, economically vibrant and responsive to people’s needs, places where communities can live with dignity and resilience and access greater social and economic opportunities.