University of Kigali Research Department commenced the second phase of the Circular Economy: Waste Analysis and Characterization Study in Rusizi District on February 25, 2026. The team comprises a Principal Investigator, Solid Waste management experts, Geographic Information System (GIS) Experts and Data Collectors. The Study which commenced in January 2026 is divided in to different components including Conducting baseline waste audit, Identifying Waste Segregation facilities, GIS Mapping of Waste Systems, Waste Wise Cities (WaCT) Survey. A second team from University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK) is undertaking a similar exercise in Nyamasheke District. The Research is supported by Spanish Red Cross, Rwanda Red Cross Society and Funded by European Union.
The study is aimed at Supporting Sustainable Municipal Waste Management and Circular Economy Transitions by generating comprehensive, reliable data on waste streams in Nyamasheke and Rusizi to inform strategic improvements in waste management systems that align with national policies and international best practices.
The Study also aims to improve water quality in the Lake Kivu basin through sustainable economic practices based on circular economy principles and their application in inclusive local solid waste management; Foster knowledge, behavioral change and policy / business decisions towards resilient and circular economy involving LGUs, CBOs, MSMEs and Waste collectors; and Support inclusive circular economy initiatives tested and validated, focused on efficient alternatives for processing recycled plastic and organic waste.
