The Rwanda National Transport Development Agency (RTDA) has officially launched the “Burundi-Rwanda Integrated Development Project” (BRIDEP) infrastructure project.

Financed to the tune of 413.22 million dollars, this project, approved in October 2024, aims to strengthen agricultural and transport infrastructure between Rwanda and Burundi. It includes the construction of 215.3 kilometers of asphalt roads, the conduct of studies for an additional 406 kilometers and the conduct of three studies on maritime transport in order to facilitate cross-border trade

The project is funded by the African Development Bank (ADB), the Government of Rwanda, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). It aims to improve regional and urban connectivity while stimulating the local economy.

For Aissa Touré, AfDB country manager, this project will “not only improve transport efficiency and connectivity, but also contribute to economic growth and job creation”.

This initiative is a sign of renewed relations between Kigali and Bujumbura, after a period of diplomatic tensions. In January 2024, Burundi had in fact closed its border with Rwanda, accusing its neighbor of supporting the rebel group “Tabara Rouge”, responsible for a deadly attack that killed 20 people at the end of 2023. Rwanda has categorically denied these accusations

Members of the East African Community, the two countries thus seek to strengthen their economic cooperation impacted by sporadic conflicts hampering the free movement of people and goods. In 2022, Rwanda exported $5.64 million to Burundi. A significant drop compared to 2017 when exports amounted to 12.1 million dollars, according to the Economic Complexity Observation (OEC

Note that in parallel with BRIDEP, the RTDA launched the “Kigali Urban Transport Improvement Project” (KUTI), approved in December 2024. It is intended to modernize urban transport in the Rwandan capital. It includes the improvement of several major intersections (Chez Lando, Gishushu and Kicukiro/Sonatubes), the promotion of soft mobility and the development of electromobility. It is expected to generate around 400 temporary jobs, 30% of which are reserved for women.