TECHSTREAM

  Kigali is investing millions to restore five wetlands. Learn how engineering is tackling runoff, climate resilience, and boosting eco-tourism. Kigali is reshaping its future with one of the most ambitious environmental projects in the region. The city is rehabilitating five wetlands covering a total of 491 hectares. These wetlands include Gikondo , Rwampara, Rugenge-Rwintare, Kibumba and Nyabugogo . Their restoration is designed to improve flood control , protect biodiversity, and create new opportunities for citizens. The project also builds on Rwanda’s commitment to climate resilience and sustainable urban development. The total investment is estimated at 82 million US dollars, which is about 108 billion Rwandan francs . Funding comes from both government resources and development partners. Already, about 30 million US dollars, or 40 billion francs, has been invested in the first phase of conservation works and infrastructure. The project is currently at 67.3 percent comple...

Discover how Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile will transform energy in Africa, boosting renewable power, and fueling both hope and debate across Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan. Imagine a single project that can light up tens of millions of homes, fuel factories, and change the power balance of a region. That’s the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile . Officially inaugurated in September 2025 , it is now Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam —a structure that’s as political as it is powerful. For Ethiopia, GERD is a source of pride and proof of self-reliance. For Egypt and Sudan, it raises tough questions about Nile water management . For the rest of Africa, it’s a sign that homegrown infrastructure can rival anything in the world. From Idea to Mega-Dam              The dream of harnessing the Blue Nile for power isn’t new. Studies were floated in the 1960s, but it wasn’t until 2011 that Ethiopia broke ground on...

When I finished my high school studies, I faced a challenge that many Rwandan and African students with a Physics-Chemistry-Mathematics or other science background can relate to: choosing the right career path. I spent hours researching online, seeking advice, and reflecting on where I fit best. Engineering stood out, and in particular, Water Resources and Environmental Engineering captured my attention. But a critical question soon followed: “What career opportunities will actually be open to me by the time I graduate in this fast-growing industry in Rwanda, Africa, and even globally?” That question inspired this blog — not as a final answer, but as an introduction to the 20 most promising career paths in water and environmental engineering . Across Africa, the sector is booming: the African Development Bank estimates that at least $64 billion annually is needed for water and sanitation to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, while current spending is less than half. Meanwhile, t...