Rwanda has begun a major expansion of the Prince House–Giporoso–Masaka corridor, advancing a broader effort to upgrade Kigali’s transport infrastructure and prepare the capital for rising demand for movement of people and goods.
The 10-kilometre road project, which officially commenced on August 30, 2026, is being implemented through a partnership between the Government of Rwanda and the Government of the People’s Republic of China. The project is expected to take 30 months to complete.
The corridor is strategically important to Kigali because it connects several of the capital’s key economic, industrial, health and transport centres, linking the city centre with Kigali International Airport, the Special Economic Zone, Masaka and surrounding communities.
Once completed, the upgraded road is expected to provide greater capacity along one of Kigali’s important east-south transport corridors, supporting the movement of commuters, commercial vehicles and goods between major destinations.
A major upgrade to Kigali’s transport network
The existing corridor will be expanded into a four-lane carriageway, alongside the construction of major transport infrastructure designed to improve traffic flow and road safety.
The project includes a flyover, underpasses, interchanges, bridges and culverts, as well as drainage systems, roadway lighting and traffic-management infrastructure.
The upgrades are intended not only to address current congestion and mobility challenges but also to provide capacity for Kigali’s future urban growth.
The road’s importance extends beyond passenger mobility. Its connection to the Special Economic Zone and industrial areas makes it an important route for businesses moving workers, raw materials and finished products.
The corridor also serves areas around Masaka, including major health and commercial facilities, strengthening its role as a link between residential communities and essential services.
Connecting Kigali’s economic gateways
The project forms part of Rwanda’s wider investment in transport infrastructure aimed at improving connectivity between the capital’s major economic gateways.
The connection toward Kigali International Airport is particularly significant as Rwanda continues to position Kigali as an international business and tourism hub. Improved road access can help strengthen links between the airport, central Kigali and major commercial and industrial zones.
At the other end of the corridor, the connection toward Masaka supports one of Kigali’s rapidly developing urban areas and its surrounding economic activity.
Together, these links make the Prince House–Giporoso–Masaka road more than a conventional urban road project. It is part of the infrastructure supporting Kigali’s expanding urban economy and the movement of people, businesses and goods across the city.
Traffic changes during construction
Construction will bring temporary changes to traffic flows along the corridor. The City of Kigali, RTDA and the Rwanda National Police have identified alternative routes covering areas around Giporoso Junction, Sonatube, Kimironko, Zindiro, the Special Economic Zone, Ndera, Gasogi, Kabuga, Kicukiro, Busanza and surrounding areas.
Road users, businesses and communities along the corridor have been urged to cooperate with temporary traffic arrangements as construction progresses.
The project is expected to bring short-term disruption but deliver longer-term improvements in mobility, road safety, connectivity and transport efficiency.
More broadly, the expansion reflects Rwanda’s continuing investment in urban infrastructure as Kigali grows and demand for reliable transport connections between residential areas, the airport, industrial zones, hospitals, commercial centres and the city centre increases.
