On 28 November 2025, Transparency International Rwanda (TI-Rwanda), in partnership with PTF Europe, officially launched the EU-funded “Alliances and Partnerships for Evidence-led Environmental and Social Safeguarding Accountability (APESA)” Project—locally known as “Ijwi Ryanjye mu Iterambere Rirambye (INTERA)”—marking a major milestone in Rwanda’s drive toward accountable and sustainable infrastructure development.
Held under the theme “Amplifying Citizens’ Voices for Accountable and Sustainable Development,” the launch convened senior government officials, civil society organizations, private sector actors, and development partners, signaling a strong multi-stakeholder commitment to strengthening environmental and social safeguards in public infrastructure projects.
The event also featured the official dissemination of findings from the Baseline Study on the Status of Compliance of Public Infrastructure Development Processes with Environmental and Social Safeguards in Rwanda, providing an evidence-based foundation for the APESA Project’s interventions.
A transformative initiative for evidence-led accountability
Speaking at the launch, Apollinaire Mupiganyi, Executive Director of TI-Rwanda, emphasized that while Rwanda continues to make significant investments in sustainable infrastructure, the speed of development has not always been matched by strong implementation of environmental and social safeguards.
“APESA is a transformative initiative designed to strengthen alliances among citizens, civil society organizations, and duty bearers, while building technical capacity and promoting evidence-based monitoring,” he said.
He added that the project seeks to ensure that communities are not just beneficiaries of development, but active participants in monitoring and safeguarding it.
Echoing this vision, Hildegard Gacek, Vice Chairperson of PTF Europe, highlighted that APESA builds on PTF’s extensive global experience, having implemented over 275 projects with 160 civil society organizations in 55 countries.
She stressed that trust-based cooperation among all partners—especially local authorities—is essential for meaningful and lasting impact, reaffirming PTF Europe’s commitment to providing full technical support throughout the project’s implementation.
Safeguards as a matter of justice and human rights
Officially opening the event, Mbonera Théophile, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice and Guest of Honor, underscored that APESA aligns directly with Rwanda’s national priorities, including the Justice and Accountability Programme implemented in partnership with the European Union.
“As Rwanda advances under Vision 2050, NST2 and SDG 16, strong institutions, transparency and citizen engagement are critical to ensuring that rapid infrastructure growth is responsible, inclusive and respectful of environmental and social safeguards,” he noted.
He further stressed that safeguards go beyond technical compliance : “They are matters of justice, equity and human rights—protecting communities from displacement, vulnerability and environmental harm.”
The Permanent Secretary commended APESA for strengthening the link between communities and governance institutions through citizen-led monitoring, evidence-based advocacy and participatory mechanisms that uphold transparency and accountability.
EU backs Rwanda’s inclusive and accountable development path
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the EU Ambassador to Rwanda, Sotirios Bazikamwe, EU Governance Advisor, noted that APESA comes at a critical moment as Rwanda accelerates major investments in roads, energy, housing and urban development.
“With such rapid transformation comes the responsibility to ensure inclusiveness, environmental and social protection, and respect for citizens’ rights, so that no one is left behind,” he said.
He reaffirmed that APESA is part of the broader EU Justice and Accountability Programme, through which the European Union supports stronger justice systems, human rights protection, reconciliation and accountable public service delivery in Rwanda.
Strengthening voices for sustainable development
The participants in the launching event came to a consensus that, by bringing together citizens, civil society and public institutions around evidence-led monitoring and accountability, the APESA (INTERA) Project will play a vital role in ensuring that Rwanda’s impressive infrastructure growth goes hand-in-hand with strong environmental and social safeguards, transparency, and community empowerment.
As Rwanda continues its journey toward sustainable development, APESA stands as a powerful platform for ensuring that citizens’ voices remain at the heart of progress.