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Aerial view of Kigali master plan

Kigali, an epitome of inclusive urbanisation.

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Led by Surbana Jurong in partnership with SMEC, the Kigali City Masterplan repositions Kigali as a future-ready financial and civic hub for East-Central Africa. Building on the 2013 plan, this next-generation update adopts a data-rich, participatory methodology that reflects Kigali’s evolving socio-economic landscape, climate ambitions, and urban aspirations.

  • Location

    Rwanda

  • Period

    2008 - 2020

  • Site Area

    730km²

  • Member companies

    SJ, SMEC

  • Impact

    Enhancing social wellbeing

  • 1.3m

    Existing population

  • 3.8m

    Projected population (2050)

  • 730km²

    Kigali City Site Area

Shaping a solution

Kigali master plan aerial view
The revised masterplan guides Kigali’s growth through optimal land use, strategic zoning and integrated development controls. It introduces transit-oriented urban strategies, supports rejuvenation of existing districts and encourages affordable housing expansion into suburban areas. A robust green network system connects the city – enhancing liveability and anchoring its environmental goals.
Artist impression of Kigali's new CBD
One of the plan’s most significant advancements lies in its participatory framework – enriched by socio-demographic and economic studies, the process ensured that planning decisions reflect real-world needs and aspirations. SMEC’s contributions in infrastructure, environmental and transport planning, as well as community engagement, have helped ground the plan in local realities while aligning it with Rwanda’s green growth agenda.
Kigali future shopping area
The updated masterplan incorporates digital mapping, scenario planning, and cross-sectoral integration – building a spatial framework capable of supporting rapid economic growth and long-term environmental sustainability. The success of Surbana Jurong’s earlier planning efforts in Kigali is already recognised, with multiple Singapore Institute of Planners (SIP) Awards in 2010, 2013 and 2021, including Gold for Excellence in Community Engagement and Social Inclusiveness.
  • Kigali outdoor city walk

    image caption

  • Aerial Kigali
  • Kigali affordable housing

The outcome

This new iteration of the Kigali City Masterplan lays the foundation for a vibrant, connected and inclusive capital city. Through collaborative planning and forward-thinking design, Kigali is being positioned as a beacon of urban innovation in Africa – one where planning excellence meets community empowerment and sustainable growth.

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