The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with Rwanda, particularly in water infrastructure and other development projects, as Kigali hosts a major continental summit on water, sanitation and hygiene.
Abdulla Ahmed Balalaa, UAE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, highlighted the growing partnership between the two countries ahead of the Africa WASH Summit, which opened in Kigali on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
Balalaa pointed to the expansion of the Karenge Water Treatment Plant in Rwamagana District as one of the projects reflecting cooperation between Rwanda and the UAE.
The project is expected to raise the plant’s daily production capacity from about 12,000 cubic metres to 48,000 cubic metres, significantly increasing the volume of treated water available to communities in Rwamagana and surrounding areas.
Balalaa said the UAE remains committed to supporting Rwanda in implementing projects that contribute to sustainable development.
He also called for greater investment in Africa’s water infrastructure, arguing that water security is closely linked to other critical sectors, including energy, food systems and broader infrastructure.
“Water is connected to other critical sectors, including energy, food and other infrastructure. Building a strong and capable water sector is therefore essential to addressing these challenges,” Balalaa said.
He added that discussions in Kigali would focus on strategies and programmes that can strengthen water systems and deliver practical solutions to communities.
The Africa WASH Summit in Kigali is bringing together government officials, researchers, development partners and other stakeholders from Africa and beyond to discuss investment, innovation and sustainable approaches to improving access to water, sanitation and hygiene services across the continent.
