President Paul Kagame and Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni on Wednesday joined Kigali residents for an evening walk along the Nyarutarama Green Carpet, as Rwanda highlighted its long-term vision of developing the capital as a greener, more environmentally sustainable city.
Wadagni is in Rwanda for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and exploring areas of cooperation between Rwanda and Benin.
During the walk, Kagame used the opportunity to explain to his Beninese counterpart Kigali’s strategic approach to urban development, particularly efforts to preserve natural ecosystems while creating accessible recreational spaces for residents.
The Nyarutarama Green Carpet is among Kigali’s dedicated green corridors, designed to provide residents with safe spaces for walking, running and other outdoor sports activities while contributing to the city’s environmental protection efforts.
As they walked, Kagame pointed out different aspects of Kigali’s green development plans, including the preservation and rehabilitation of wetlands across the city.
The President explained that Rwanda is working to transform selected wetlands into eco-parks and recreational areas rather than allowing them to be lost to unplanned urban development.
The approach is intended to maintain important natural ecosystems while creating attractive public spaces where residents can exercise, relax and interact with nature.
The plans also seek to protect habitats for biodiversity, ensuring that Kigali’s expansion does not come at the expense of the natural environment.
Rwanda has increasingly incorporated green infrastructure into Kigali’s urban planning, with the broader objective of creating a city where economic and residential development can coexist with protected natural areas.
The preservation of wetlands is particularly important as they perform environmental functions including absorbing excess water, supporting biodiversity and helping regulate urban ecosystems.
For Kigali residents, the development of green corridors and eco-parks is also intended to expand access to public spaces for physical activity and recreation.
The evening walk therefore provided an opportunity for the two leaders to engage with residents while showcasing one of the practical elements of Rwanda’s vision for Kigali as an environmentally conscious and people-centred city.
Wadagni’s visit comes as Rwanda and Benin continue to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, with the two countries seeking to strengthen ties and identify new opportunities for collaboration.
