The revised National Urban Housing Policy, updated in February 2025, shows that the number of Rwandans living in urban areas will continue to rise reaching 52.7% by 2035 and 70% by 2050, up from 27.9% in 2022.
This was highlighted on November 27, 2025, during the Eastern Province Urbanisation Forum held in Nyagatare District, bringing together leaders from various ministries, government agencies, and development partners.
The Governor of the Eastern Province, Pudence Rubingisa, said the projections demonstrate Rwanda’s continued commitment to promoting modern and sustainable urban settlements.
He stated:
“We want cities that grow sustainably, respect proper land use, protect the environment, and offer a good quality of life to citizens. This forum helps us align our efforts, assess our progress, and look ahead.”
Regarding the development of Nyagatare town, Rubingisa noted that it is among the districts making significant progress in building modern urban centres.
The Mayor of Nyagatare District, Gasana Stephen, added that Nyagatare is ready to make a strong contribution to Rwanda’s urban development. He said:
“We are striving for a city with solid infrastructure, excellent services, and the ability to compete internationally. We work closely with various institutions to ensure our residents enjoy a good quality of life driven by technology and well-planned settlements.”
He continued:
“In Nyagatare town, more than 25 kilometres of roads have already been constructed, and the city now covers an area of 82 square kilometres. There is also an ongoing project to establish a 3-hectare public park that will provide residents with a beautiful recreational space, including free internet access.”
