Developing socially equitable and climate-sensitive housing in Rwanda's towns and cities

Context

Rwanda is currently experiencing one of the fastest urbanisation processes in Africa. Further growth is politically desired: The Rwandan Government aims to transform Rwanda into a middle-income country, and considers towns and cities as vital engines of economic growth.

The proportion of urban residents is expected to increase to 70 per cent of the population by 2050. However, urban development is not proceeding according to plan. Over 60 per cent of the urban population – some 3.7 million people – live in unplanned settlements without adequate access to infrastructure, services or housing. The majority of urban households are low-income, and most residents cannot afford to own property. Instead, they live in poor conditions in rental housing. Compounding the challenge, Rwanda currently faces a shortfall of more than two million homes.

Objective

Urban planning processes are more climate sensitive, people on low incomes have better access to affordable rental housing, and local communities are more actively involved in neighbourhood planning and decision-making.

Approach

To establish the necessary institutional and planning frameworks for improved access to climate-friendly and socially inclusive housing, the project addresses three priority areas:

1. Integrated urban planning: The project supports participatory urban planning processes in selected cities and implements them in a climate-sensitive and socially equitable manner.
2. Social housing: The project develops strategic guidelines for climate-resilient and socially-just rental housing for low-income urban households, especially taking the needs of women into account.
3. Capacity development: The project provides training to enable Rwandan urban planners and experts to pursue comprehensive urban planning and housing development that is both socially equitable and climate-sensitive.

Last update: May 2025