The Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB), in collaboration with the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), hosted the launching workshop for the Muvumba Multipurpose Water Resources Development Program – Additional Financing, an investment that will support the development of a climate-resilient irrigation system covering 3,073 hectares of farmland in Nyagatare District.

The project, to be implemented in partnership with the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), represents a key downstream investment linked to the ongoing Muvumba Multipurpose Dam. The Government of Rwanda secured the Additional Financing following the signing of financing agreements with the African Development Bank and African Development Fund (AfDB/ADF) on 12 May 2026.

Speaking at the workshop, the Executive Chairperson of RWB, Eng. Richard Nyirishema, described the Muvumba Multipurpose Water Resources Development Program as a strategic national investment aimed at strengthening water, food and energy security, while contributing to Rwanda's NST2 and Vision 2050.

Highlighting the importance of translating the dam infrastructure into tangible benefits for communities, Eng. Nyirishema said:

“We can have the infrastructure, but as long as the water is not reaching the population either through water supply or irrigation, the full potential of the dam will not be realized.”

He also emphasized that the irrigation investment should go beyond providing water and land, with attention given to appropriate crops, access to markets and ultimately improving the livelihoods of farmers.

The €45.4 million Additional Financing will scale up the Muvumba program by developing the 3,073-hectare irrigation system to increase agricultural productivity and strengthen food and nutritional security.

Ms. Aissa Touré Sarr, African Development Bank Country Manager for Rwanda, welcomed the progress being made on the Muvumba Multipurpose Dam and highlighted the importance of advancing downstream investments to ensure that the dam's water resources are put to productive use.

“It is pleasing to note that the construction of the multi-purpose dam to store 55 million meters of water is making significant progress given an assurance of its completion in 2027 and the need to commence the development of an irrigation scheme,” she said.

Dr. Florence Uwamahoro, Acting Director General of RAB, expressed the institution's commitment to working closely with RWB and other partners, noting the expectations of farmers in Nyagatare.

“Farmers in Nyagatare are awaiting this project. Our commitment is to work jointly, shorten the implementation time as much as possible, and ensure that the project becomes operational and starts benefiting farmers while contributing to the country's food security,” she said.

The irrigation component is particularly significant as construction of the Muvumba Multipurpose Dam advances towards completion, expected in early 2027. Once completed, the dam will store approximately 55 million m³ of water, with capacity to support irrigation of 11,000 hectares, supply 50,000 m³ of domestic water per day, and generate 1 MW of hydropower.