Rwanda makes a bigger bet on Bugesera terminal than simply replacing Kigali International Airport
Rwanda is developing the Bugesera Airport City as an economic hub rather than just a transport facility, supported by a $2 billion investment. The project aims to stimulate demand for aviation services by integrating logistics, manufacturing, and commercial development.
Why it matters
This project represents a strategic shift in African infrastructure development, focusing on creating an 'airport city' to drive broader economic growth.
The country is attempting to build an economic city around aviation, linking an international airport to logistics, manufacturing, tourism, real estate, agriculture, healthcare and education.
The decision to give the Airport City project its own dedicated chief executive, separate from the entity running the airport itself, signals exactly that shift: Rwanda is moving from constructing an airport to managing an economic development platform.
President Paul Kagame appointed Jules Muheto Ndenga to be the Chief Executive of Bugesera Airport City, while Brigadier General Innocent Munyengango takes over as the CEO of Aviation Travel and Logistics (ATL), the state aviation holding company.
Ndenga previously led ATL itself and oversaw construction of the new airport; he holds a master’s in construction management from the University of Birmingham.
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