Kigali, Rwanda:
The model temptation

In the land of a thousand hills, the capital has come a long way from unfathomable tragedy. Visiting the Genocide Memorial is an essential step in recognising how far the country has come. Kigali has since become a model city: under control, disciplined and clean. Plastic-free since 2008. With solid waste management, recycling programmes, monthly citizen clean-up operations (umuganda), and the goal of becoming a carbon-neutral city by 2050. With a population of over 1.3 million, Kigali accounts for around 40% of Rwanda's GDP. In addition to sustainable development, it has many other ambitions. It aims to establish itself as a regional business centre with the development of the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC). And despite its landlocked location, it intends to strengthen its position as a global hub with modern conference facilities, such as the Kigali Convention Centre, and high-level sports facilities, including the Kigali Arena (10,000 seats), one of the largest multi-sports complexes in Central Africa. RwandAir, relaunched in 2009 and allied with the giant Qatar Airways, serves more than 20 destinations. And the future Bugesera International Airport (2027) aims to establish itself as the major air hub between East Africa, Europe and the Gulf. With political determination – some would say ‘authoritarianism’ – Kigali is moving forward with its plan to become a hub for business, innovation and diplomacy in Africa, at the forefront of sustainable and inclusive urban development. The city is so orderly and controlled, one might almost wish for a little bit of craziness, debate, noise and some lively tunes.