Connecting East Africa through the Green Infrastructure Corridors for Intra-African Trade Programme
The Green Infrastructure Corridors for Intra-African Trade Programme, jointly implemented by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), the Central Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency (CCTTFA) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ), is a critical initiative that seeks to improve the infrastructure and transport systems of African countries, and encourage intra-regional trade under the framework of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA). The selected projects under the programme have the potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, and reduce carbon emissions.
The Central Corridor in Eastern Africa was selected as a pilot corridor to develop, test, and demonstrate “green infrastructure development for intra-African trade.” The corridor is a vital trade route that connects important economic centres in Eastern and Central Africa. The Corridor connects Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda to others economic corridors and seaports across the continent.
From March 6 to 10, 2023, the AUDA-NEPAD, CCTTFA and GIZ conducted a mission and field visits in Rwanda to evaluate the feasibility of prioritized projects proposed by the Government of Republic of Rwanda within the Central Corridor. The projects involved include; the Construction of Sanitary Landfill in Kigali City, Lake A market analysis and feasibility study on use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for vessels across Lake Kivu and others inland water transportation networks, Feasibility study of Akagera River navigability, Construction of Gasabo district Centralized Sewerage System in Rwanda, Isaka – Kigali Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and Muhanga-Mukamira Road Project.
With the construction of the Kigali Sanitary Landfill, the project will significantly improve waste management systems in the capital city of Rwanda. The biogas component of the landfill will convert organic waste into a renewable energy source, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing additional energy for the country.
Another important project is the Lake Kivu Transport Programme which seeks to use CNG as an alternative energy source to power ships on Lake Kivu. This project will reduce air pollution caused by the current use of diesel fuel, benefiting both the environment and the health of the local communities.
The Inland Waterways Special Focus Project will improve navigability on the Akagera River, which runs through Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. This will promote trade, reduce transport costs and will create economic opportunities for the countries involved
The Central Corridor Roads Climate Proofing Pilot Project aims to make the Muhanga-Mukamira road climate-resilient. By using innovative engineering techniques, the project will reduce the risk of road damage caused by extreme weather events such as flooding and landslides. This will improve road safety, reduce the cost of road maintenance, and ensure reliable transport links, benefiting both businesses and communities in the region.
The Central Corridor Urban Sanitation Project will improve the sewerage system in the Gasabo district of Rwanda. The project will improve environmental conditions in the area, including the reduction of waterborne diseases thereby Improve public health and sanitation, prevent water pollution of all the downstream rivers and mitigate heavy damages caused by flooding events.
Finally, the Central Corridor SGR Project aims to extend the railway system between Isaka in Tanzania and Kigali in Rwanda, as well as between Kigali and Kindu in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The project will unlock the full potential of intra-regional trade, reduce road congestion and wear and tear, and also reduce the costs of transport, boosting the region’s economy.
The mission concluded with the agreement for joint work plans to be developed for the projects through which the projects will be supported by the Green Infrastructure Corridors for Intra-African Trade Programme.
