Rwanda has reaffirmed its long-standing partnership with the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), as the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, yesterday welcomed Abdullah Almusaibeeh, President of BADEA, for a courtesy visit in Kigali.
The visit came ahead of the BADEA Board of Directors meeting, scheduled to take place in Kigali from October 7 to 9, 2025 — a significant event expected to bring together regional finance and development leaders to discuss Africa’s financing priorities.
Rwanda and BADEA share a cooperation history that spans several decades. Established in 1974, BADEA was created to strengthen Arab–African economic ties and support Africa’s development through concessional financing, trade promotion, and technical assistance.
Over the years, BADEA has supported multiple projects in Rwanda that align with the country’s Vision 2050 — a blueprint to achieve high-income status through industrialisation, innovation, and inclusive growth.
The Bank has been instrumental in financing infrastructure, energy, and rural development projects, while also providing lines of credit aimed at boosting private-sector participation.
The collaboration continues to evolve as BADEA shifts its strategic focus toward green financing, smart-city development, and digital innovation — areas in which Rwanda has demonstrated strong commitment and leadership.
Ongoing projects strengthening Rwanda’s economy
Kigali Innovation City (KIC)
One of the flagship projects under the Rwanda–BADEA partnership is the Kigali Innovation City, a transformative 61-hectare smart-city development located in Kigali’s Special Economic Zone.
Launched in partnership with Africa50 and the Government of Rwanda, BADEA’s participation is helping to finance world-class infrastructure for education, technology, and entrepreneurship.
The city is envisioned to attract tech companies, research institutions, and start-ups — making it a cornerstone of Rwanda’s ambition to become a regional innovation hub.
Rural electrification in Nyamagabe and Nyaruguru districts
BADEA has also played a key role in Rwanda’s rural electrification agenda, financing grid extension projects in Nyamagabe and Nyaruguru districts.
These projects aim to support Rwanda’s goal of achieving universal access to electricity while improving livelihoods and boosting productivity in rural communities.
The new connections are enabling households, schools, and small businesses to access reliable energy, thereby reducing poverty and supporting economic inclusion.
Road infrastructure and connectivity
In the transport sector, BADEA has supported several road construction and rehabilitation projects, including sections of the Base–Rukomo–Nyagatare corridor, a vital route linking the Northern and Eastern Provinces.
Improved road connectivity has enhanced the movement of goods and services, stimulated cross-border trade, and created thousands of jobs for local communities.
Support for energy and social infrastructure
Beyond electrification, BADEA’s financing has extended to energy generation and social infrastructure projects. The Bank’s concessional loans have supported efforts to expand Rwanda’s energy generation capacity, reinforce transmission networks, and construct schools and health centres in underserved areas.
Strengthening cooperation and strategic priorities
The discussions between Minister Murangwa and President Almusaibeeh focused on deepening cooperation in emerging priority areas. Rwanda is keen to attract more Arab investment through BADEA, particularly in infrastructure, renewable energy, and innovation.
The two sides also explored mechanisms to scale up private-sector support, with BADEA offering instruments to channel financing toward small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to foster job creation and sustainable growth.
BADEA’s upcoming Board of Directors meeting in Kigali is expected to solidify these commitments. The event will provide a platform to review ongoing projects, approve new financing for Rwanda and other African countries, and showcase Rwanda’s economic progress as a model of efficient partnership.
For Rwanda, the growing relationship with BADEA represents more than just development financing — it is a bridge connecting the country to a broader network of Arab investors and development partners.
Through BADEA’s support, Rwanda continues to advance its economic transformation, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and regional competitiveness.
As Kigali prepares to host BADEA’s Board meeting, expectations are high that new agreements and projects will be unveiled — further cementing Rwanda’s position as one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies and a trusted partner in transformative development.
