Rwanda seeks to become UN Hub in Africa amid agency relocation plans
The Rwandese government also offered to provide office facilities and essential services, along with a full package of privileges, immunities and tax exemptions consistent with UN standards.
The government of Rwanda has formally expressed interest in hosting United Nations (UN) functions, agencies, and programmes currently under consideration for relocation, signalling Kigali's ambition to become a key hub for global governance in Africa.
In a statement addressed to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and signed by Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente, Rwanda positioned itself as an enabling environment for multilateral operations.
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"Rwanda has positioned itself as a competitive destination for multilateral institutions, offering a cost-effective, secure, reliable and enabling environment for their operations," the May 15 statement reads in part.
Ngirente also cited Rwanda's political stability, institutional efficiency and strong air connectivity as key advantages for hosting a long-term UN campus in the heart of Kigali.
"Kigali's location provides direct air connectivity to key regional and global hubs. Our strong record of political stability, institutional efficiency and safety ensures continuity of mission and staff well-being," he said.
The Rwandese government also offered to provide office facilities and essential services, along with a full package of privileges, immunities and tax exemptions consistent with UN standards.
"The Government of Rwanda is prepared to offer office facilities and essential services, while actively partnering on the development of a long-term UN campus in the heart of the city of Kigali. Our proposal also includes the full package of privileges, immunities and tax exemptions in accordance with UN standards," Ngirente said.
He similarly extended an invitation for a technical UN mission to visit Kigali to assess infrastructure readiness and align with operational relocation requirements.
"We would be delighted to welcome a technical mission from your office to Kigali at the earliest opportunity to discuss the proposal further," said the Rwandan Prime Minister.
"The visit would allow for a first-hand review of Rwanda's infrastructure and offer and align our support with the UN's operational and relocation requirements."
As part of its UN80 initiative, the global body is looking to relocate certain agencies and programmes from high-cost duty stations to more cost-effective and strategically positioned locations in order to enhance operational efficiency.
In Kenya, the United Nations has announced plans to establish three additional global offices in Nairobi by 2026, increasing the total number of UN-affiliated offices in the capital to five. The new offices will host the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and UN Women.
These will join the already established headquarters of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN-Habitat, both located in Nairobi's Gigiri area.
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