Kigali, Rwanda’s capital and largest city, participates in the GEF-7 UrbanShift program through the Rwanda Urban Development Project (RUDP II), implemented by the World Bank in partnership with the Government of Rwanda and the City of Kigali. Located in the lush, hilly heart of the country, Kigali is home to 1.6 million people and accounts for over 40% of Rwanda’s GDP. Rapid urbanization, informal settlements, and declining natural drainage systems place growing pressure on the city’s environment and infrastructure. Through RUDP II, UrbanShift strengthens integrated urban planning and resilience by combining grey and green infrastructure investments, including wetland rehabilitation, flood mitigation, and stormwater management. These interventions enhance ecosystem services, improve living conditions, and demonstrate how nature-based solutions can help Kigali balance urban expansion with climate resilience and sustainable growth.


