Rwanda is among the beneficiaries of the regional financial institution’s initiatives, including financing infrastructure projects and supporting private sector development.

The agriculture sector has received multimillion-dollar funding from the AfDB since the launch of its first project in 1974. As of November 2024, the institution had supported 46 projects to aid the Rwandan government’s efforts to enhance food security. Three projects are currently active, supported by $16.77 million in funding.

Through the multi-million dollar Bugesera Agricultural Development Support Project (PADAB) and the Inland Lakes Integrated Development and Management Support Project (PAIGELAC), the Bank has not only revolutionized farming and fisheries but also fostered resilience, uplifted livelihoods, and strengthened food security.

In the arid plains of Bugesera, farming was once a gamble with nature. The arrival of PADAB, however, turned this challenge into an opportunity.

An investment of $14.8 million between 2006 and 2013 introduced modern irrigation systems covering over 700 hectares in Bugesera. This has enabled farmers to grow crops year-round, significantly increasing yields of maize, beans, and vegetables.

Beyond irrigation, the rehabilitation of 260 kilometers of feeder roads has been a game-changer. Farmers can now transport produce to markets more quickly and at lower costs, reducing losses and increasing profits.

Through the multi-million dollar Bugesera Agricultural Development Support Project (PADAB), AfDB has transformed people's livelihoods.

Additionally, training sessions on high-yield seeds and sustainable practices have made smallholder farmers more productive and resilient.

Anne, a farmer in Bugesera, is one of many beneficiaries. Once dependent on unpredictable rains, she now harvests surplus vegetables to sell at the market. “I can now afford school fees for my children and invest in better farming tools,” she says.

PADAB has helped Anne and many others shift from subsistence farming to sustainable livelihoods.
On the other hand, Rwanda’s lakes have long been a lifeline for fishing communities, but overfishing and environmental degradation posed a serious threat to this vital sector.

PAIGELAC stepped in to revive inland fisheries, combining infrastructure upgrades, environmental conservation, and community training to ensure long-term benefits.

The construction of modern landing sites, cold storage facilities, and ice plants has drastically reduced spoilage, enabling fishers to supply high-quality products. Environmental restoration efforts, including watershed protection and reforestation, have safeguarded ecosystems, ensuring that fish stocks remain plentiful.

Nadine, a fish processor and entrepreneur, epitomizes this empowerment. After joining a PAIGELAC-supported training program, she expanded her business and now exports smoked fish to neighboring countries.
“This project changed my life,” she shares.

In the arid plains of Bugesera, farming was once a gamble with nature but now things have changed.

With her earnings, Nadine has built a home and educated her children, inspiring others in her community to follow her lead. Dnd just like her, thousands of women have also received training, loans, and tools, enabling them to lead agribusinesses and improve their families’ quality of life.

For François, a fisherman on Lake Muhazi, the results have been life-changing. “With training and access to better facilities, my income has increased. I can now support my family and save for the future,” he says.

Since PAIGELAC’s inception, Rwanda’s fish production has grown to 17,000 tonnes annually, lifting thousands out of poverty.

As the regional multilateral financial institution celebrates 60 years, it has, through its initiatives, touched the lives of more than 700,000 Rwandans, supported 696 agribusinesses, and made significant strides in improving food security.

The Bank’s focus on sustainability and inclusivity ensures that its projects not only address immediate challenges but also lay the groundwork for long-term prosperity. This is a pivotal role in supporting Rwanda’s vision to become an upper-middle-income country by 2035 and a high-income country by 2050.

The agriculture sector has received multimillion-dollar funding from the AfDB since the launch of its first project in 1974