Rwanda Signs Firm to Develop Nationwide Housing Plans Aligned with 2050 Vision

Kigali, February 17, 2026 - The Rwandan Ministry of Infrastructure has signed a long-term contract with Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair & Partners) S.A.L to develop and prepare housing plans across the country, in line with the Kigali City Master Plan and other regional land-use plans extending to 2050. The agreement aims to produce comprehensive urban designs covering housing sites, infrastructure, government service centers, stormwater drainage, roads, commercial areas, recreational facilities, and other public amenities. Without an approved physical plan, developers cannot obtain building permits. The contract, signed at the national level, allows government agencies and regional authorities to collaborate directly with Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair & Partners) S.A.L without issuing separate tenders, reducing both time and cost in preparing urban studies. Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair & Partners) S.A.L is an international firm specializing in construction, civil engineering, and environmental project management. In Rwanda, it has contributed to major infrastructure projects, including the new Kigali International Airport in Bugesera and updates to the national transport master plan. Streamlining Urban Development Jack Ngarambe, Director General of Urban Development and Housing at MININFRA, explained that using ministerial-level contracts will accelerate the procurement process for housing projects and ensure high-quality designs tailored to each area. “The biggest challenge has been integrating accurate information into the design and aligning it with the local planning system,” Ngarambe said. He emphasized that housing projects must reflect a comprehensive vision, including stormwater and sewage systems, domestic water supply, transportation links, and public infrastructure such as schools, sports facilities, and conservation areas. The initiative is intended to allow different institutions to carry out high-level urban planning whenever capacity is available. Ngarambe noted that the main obstacle has been the high cost of preparing housing designs, which limits the simultaneous development of multiple projects, especially when incorporating community preferences. The national land-use master plan remains aligned with Rwanda’s 2050 vision, and authorities believe that contracting a single firm for nationwide planning will improve quality, even if it may raise service costs and affect opportunities for local surveyors and planners. This move reflects Rwanda’s commitment to systematic, long-term urban development, balancing population growth, infrastructure needs, and sustainable land use across the country.