TECHSTREAM

 Ahead of World Wetlands Day 2026, Kigali residents and artists, including Chriss Eazy and Bwiza, joined a special Umuganda event for the restoration of Gikondo wetland to prevent flooding and boost biodiversity. In a major show of community contribution, hundreds of Kigali residents joined government officials and local celebrities today to advance the ongoing restoration of the Gikondo wetland. This collective effort comes just two days before Rwanda joins the global community to celebrate World Wetlands Day 2026 on February 2. The restoration activities, which are currently underway, represent a critical step in transforming the former industrial site into a functional eco-park. Today’s work focused on manual labor that complements the heavy engineering already on-site, bringing the project closer to its completion goal of restoring Kigali's natural defenses. Chriss Eazy and Bwiza Join Community Work The spirit of the day was uplifted by the participation of popular Rwandan art...

Ecofleet solution: Learn how Kigali is reshaping urban mobility by balancing motorcycle taxis and public transport. Discover how smart infrastructure, regulation, and sustainable planning are creating safer, more efficient, and modern transport systems for the city. Kigali is entering a new era of urban mobility. As more people navigate tight city streets using motorcycle taxis (“motos”), congestion, pollution, and safety concerns are growing. To tackle this, the Rwandan government has launched Ecofleet Solutions , a state-backed transport company focused on smart, sustainable public transport.  This initiative aims to balance moto-taxis with a robust bus service, backed by green infrastructure and smart planning.  In this blog, we’ll unpack what Ecofleet is, why it matters for Rwandans, and how it supports Kigali’s long-term sustainability goals. What Ecofleet Is Ecofleet Solutions Ltd is a state-backed company created to oversee and modernize public transport in Kigali. Its ...

 Discover Rwanda’s first eco-housing revolution! Masaka Views by Fortis Green sets a new global standard for sustainable, affordable, and community centered living. Kigali is leading Africa into a greener, smarter future one home at a time. Rwanda is taking a major step toward greener and smarter living. On October 24, 2025, Fortis Green Housing , a Kigali-based American developer, officially launched its first eco-housing estate , Masaka Views , in the Masaka Sector of Kigali. With a $25 million investment , this project combines modern design, affordability, and sustainability, setting a new standard for housing in the country. Masaka Views is not just another housing estate. It represents a vision for inclusive, environmentally-friendly communities that address Kigali’s growing demand for quality housing. With an estimated 30,000 new housing units needed annually in the city, projects like Masaka Views are more than timely. They are essential for Rwanda’s rapid urbanization. U...

Discover the top 10 cities around the world that prohibit motorcycle taxis ( moto-taxis ), why these bans exist, and how urban transport systems influence safety and traffic congestion. Learn how cities balance mobility, safety, and sustainable transport. Motorcycle taxis, also called moto-taxis, are popular in many parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America, providing fast and affordable transportation. However, in several major cities around the world, motorcycle taxis are banned or heavily restricted due to safety, traffic management, and regulatory concerns.  In this article, TechStream explores the top 10 cities that prohibit motorcycle taxis and explains why these bans exist, offering insights into urban transport, mobility, and safety.  Why Some Cities Prohibit Motorcycle Taxis Motorcycle taxis often appear where infrastructure is limited and public transport options are insufficient. But in cities with advanced transport systems, moto-taxis are frequently banned becaus...

In a remarkable turn of events, air pollution in Kigali fell by nearly 45 percent during last month’s UCI Road World Championships , according to the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA). On roads closed to traffic during the cycling races, fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) levels dropped dramatically from an average of 47–50 µg/m³ to below 30 µg/m³ at midday.  On alternative routes, pollution also declined by about 30–35 percent while areas untouched by road closures saw little change.  This temporary shift offers a powerful case study in how traffic reductions and urban planning can rapidly improve air quality. For Kigali, already grappling with urban growth, vehicle emissions, and climate pressures, this news provides a blueprint for future interventions. Why Pollution Fell: Lessons from UCI Week During the week of September 21–28, several key measures enabled cleaner air: Major roads were closed to general vehicle traffic to accommodate the cycling events. Passen...

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...