Local governments have warmly welcomed the introduction of a new project aimed at supporting the implementation of infrastructure initiatives with greater consideration for community needs, an aspect that has often been overlooked in traditional project design and execution. This initiative represents a significant step forward in promoting inclusive development, where sustainability is measured not only by physical outcomes but also by the extent to which communities are engaged in shaping them.
True progress in sustainability begins with engagement
Between 28 August 2025 and 28 October 2025, a series of courtesy visits were conducted across 13 districts covered by the APESA project. These engagements were led by the TI Rwanda team, who spearheaded discussions on the importance of such a project in Rwanda, particularly at the local government level.
The team emphasized how the initiative would foster a citizen-centered model of governance, ensuring that community voices-often overlooked during the design and implementation of infrastructure projects-would be meaningfully integrated.
The project presentation captured the attention of district authorities, who hold the mandate to safeguard both the environment and community welfare.
Their interest was demonstrated through a strong commitment to support the project’s implementation, including the nomination of a District Focal Person to work closely with TI Rwanda.
The interactions were ended by identification of four sectors per district to be involved in the APESA coverage activities. The selection of these sectors was guided by a defined criterion : priority was given to sectors where public infrastructure development projects were being implemented under the pro-poor basket fund financed by KfW (German Development Cooperation Bank) and Agence Française de Développement (AFD).
In districts where such projects were not present, Mayors proposed alternative sectors based on the type of infrastructure development underway in their respective districts.
General observations and lessons learned
A key lesson learned from this engagement is the critical importance of early and structured involvement of local stakeholders.
By prioritizing dialogue and courtesy visits before rolling out activities, the APESA project ensured that stakeholders were not only informed but actively invested in shaping its direction.
Several insights stand out :
Ownership through participation : District leaders demonstrated stronger commitment once they understood the project’s relevance to citizen-centered governance. Their nomination of focal persons shows that early engagement builds ownership.
Alignment with local priorities : Using clear criteria for sector selection, such as ongoing pro-poor infrastructure projects, helped align the initiative with existing development agendas, increasing its legitimacy and sustainability.
Demand for inclusivity : The desire of district leaders to have all sectors covered highlights the appetite for broader community involvement, reinforcing that inclusivity is a driver of trust and accountability.
Practical collaboration : The rapid assessments conducted during discussions illustrate how engagement can quickly move from dialogue to actionable steps, bridging policy intent with operational reality.