To address the challenges and opportunities in implementing transit-oriented development (TOD) in African cities, the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), with support from the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and High-Volume Transport Programme (HVT) organised a conference under the theme Transit-Oriented Development: Planning for Diversity and Social Inclusion, in Kigali, Rwanda. The conference, held from 19-21 October 2022, brought together 70 transport, urban planning, and affordable housing experts from Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania.

 

In his opening statement, Vice Mayor of Urbanisation and Infrastructure Dr Merard Mpabwanamaguru welcomed the delegates to Kigali and outlined key strategic initiatives of the city. These include the adoption of the Kigali Master Plan 2050, which defines public transport corridors anchored by bus rapid transit (BRT); zoning regulations ensuring dense, mixed-use developments along those transport corridors; and pedestrian-friendly built-form guidelines. Together, these policies aim to ensure that 80 percent of urban residents are within 500 m of frequent public transport services.

 

Photo by Ashim D Silva / Unsplash