Rwanda allocates Rwf 1.2 billion to support communities around Nyungwe National Park

By The Inspirer.

The Government of Rwanda has allocated over RWF 1.28 billion to community development projects in five districts surrounding Nyungwe National Park, under its tourism revenue-sharing program aimed at improving local livelihoods and strengthening conservation efforts.

The funding was announced on 22 December 2025 in Nyamasheke District during the selection of community projects for the 2025/2026 fiscal year. The funds will support income-generating activities, social infrastructure, and essential services for residents living near the park.

Launched in 2005, Rwanda’s tourism revenue-sharing program was designed to ensure that communities neighboring national parks directly benefit from tourism while playing an active role in conservation. The share allocated to communities increased from 5% to 10% in 2017.

In Rusizi District, part of the funds will be used to upgrade Rasano Health Post to a full health center, easing access to healthcare for residents who previously traveled up to 40 kilometers for medical services. The district has also supported agricultural and livestock cooperatives and provided improved housing to 32 vulnerable households.

In Karongi District, RWF 107 million will be invested in livestock distribution, with 100 pigs allocated to households in Mutuntu Sector, alongside the construction of three new classrooms in Twumba Sector to reduce long walking distances for students.

An official from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Ngoga Telesphore, urged districts to prioritize income-generating projects, noting that a 2022 assessment showed 76% of previous revenue-sharing funds were spent on infrastructure, compared to 24% on economic activities. He emphasized the need to reverse this ratio to ensure sustainable community incomes.

Over the past 25 years, communities living around Rwanda’s national parks have received more than RWF 18 billion through the tourism revenue-sharing program.