On November 15, 2024, Enabel's Urban Economic Development Initiative (UEDi), in partnership with the Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA), the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA), and the Rwanda Housing Authority and Bugesera District organised an Urban Walk and workshop to identify projects that will be funded through Belgium-Rwanda bilateral cooperation and EU contribution.

The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including local community representatives, Bugesera District authorities, private sector operators, civil society organisations, development partners, and national public institutions involved in local economic development. Through a participatory approach, six key projects were identified for implementation: Nyamata Health Centre, two green public spaces, two affordable housing sites, an urban agriculture development site, the Integrated Crafts Production Centre (ICPC-Agakiriro), and an 8-kilometer urban road network.

In today’s rapidly evolving urban environment, involving all stakeholders in decision-making is essential for ensuring urban development initiatives align with community needs and aspirations. Engaging the community not only ensures projects are better suited to the lived experiences of residents but also fosters a greater sense of ownership. In this context, community engagement includes a wide representation of residents, especially less-represented member groups such as youth, women from various social backgrounds, and people with disabilities. Equally important is the inclusion of private sector actors who shape the local urban landscape.

To achieve genuine community engagement, it is crucial to acknowledge and address potential power imbalances. Effective participation requires inclusive mechanisms that ensure all voices are heard, not only during the execution of activities but also in the planning and preparation stages.

The Urbanisation Project is part of the bilateral programme between Rwanda and Belgium for the 2024-2029 period, with additional funding from the European Union and the Brussels-Capital Region. This programme aims to develop sustainable and attractive cities by improving living conditions for all residents, particularly the most vulnerable, while creating an inclusive, socio-economic, and environmentally sustainable ecosystem that is resilient to climate change.

As part of this initiative, the development of socio-economic infrastructure is one of the main outcomes in the two selected satellite cities: Bugesera and Rwamagana in the eastern province of Rwanda. Since these investments are designed to enhance the well-being of urban residents, community participation in prioritising these projects is vital.