Planning Rural Connectivity in Africa: Economic Growth and Jobs

Amplify knowledge, spark regional dialogue, and catalyze partnerships around rural transport and logistics, and strategic investment priorities

16th-18th February 2026 Kigali Marriott Hotel

CO-ORGANISER

World Bank, logo - horizontal

IN COLLABORATION WITH

SSATP logo, colour + white
European Union logo, colour + white
ATRA logo, colour + white
JapanGov and GFDRR logo, red + white

CO-ORGANISER

Ministry of Instracture, Republic of Rwanda logo, colour + white

OVERVIEW

The 2026 Planning Rural Connectivity in Africa (PRCA 2026) regional conference – focused on economic growth and jobs – is Co-hosted by the Government of Rwanda and the World Bank Group (WBG) and with the collaboration of the Africa Transport Policy Program (SSATP), the European Union (EU), the Africa Transportation Research Alliance (ATRA) and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR).

Participation will be hybrid, with both in-person and online attendance.

Objectives

The objective of this Conference is to facilitate knowledge exchange and sharing experiences among countries in the region that are implementing, planning, or expressing strong interest in developing transport connectivity and resilience, especially linked to their rural road programs.

The Conference will amplify knowledge, spark regional dialogue, and catalyze partnerships around rural logistics, corridors, and investment priorities that are essential for strengthening food systems and economic resilience.

Schedule

Day 1: Conference
Monday, 16 February 2026

Day 2: Conference
Tuesday, 17 February 2026

Day 3: Field Visit
Wednesday, 18 February 2026

 

SPEAKERS

L
Dr. Jimmy Gasore is the Minister of Infrastructure. Prior to his appointment, Dr. Gasore served as Project Manager at REMA and led the establishment of the first and only ambient air quality monitoring system in Rwanda that monitors and reports air quality levels in real-time between 2017 and 2021.

Dr. Jimmy Gasore

Minister of Infrastructure

Government of the Republic of Rwanda

L
Dr. Sergio Oliete Josa is the Head of Unit for Sustainable Transport and Urban Development at the European Commission’s DG for International Partnerships. A civil engineer with a PhD in Transport Engineering, he spent 15 years in European Union (EU) Delegations across Africa working on transport infrastructure and international cooperation. Now based in Brussels under the EU Global Gateway, he advises EU Delegations on policy and supports high‑quality operations across maritime, aviation, rail, road, and urban mobility sectors.

Sergio Oliete Josa

Head of Unit for Sustainable Transport and Urban Development

European Commission

L
Senior Transport Economist at the World Bank, based in Washington, DC, with expertise in aviation, logistics, and transport connectivity. His work focuses on how air transport and supply chains support food security, market access, and sector reform. He is engaged in lending and analytical work on strategy, institutional strengthening, and investment planning. Holds a Ph.D. in Transport Economics from the Technical University of Denmark and previously worked as a researcher at VTI, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority. 

Megersa Abera Abate

Senior Transport Economist

World Bank

L
Aditi Singh currently serves as Joint Secretary for Rural Connectivity and Information Technology in the Ministry of Rural Development, and as Director General of the National Rural Infrastructure Development Authority. An Indian Administrative Service officer from the 2009 Uttar Pradesh cadre, she has held senior roles across district, state, and national levels, including Director for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and the National Rural Livelihoods Mission. Her experience also includes serving as District Magistrate in multiple districts, Additional Managing Director of the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation, and Additional Commercial Tax Commissioner. She began her career as Joint Magistrate and Chief Development Officer in Lucknow.

Aditi Singh

Joint Secretary for Rural Connectivity and Information Technology

Ministry of Rural Development

View more speakers
SSATP logo, white
European Union logo, white
ATRA logo, white
Republic of Rwanda logo, white
World Bank Group logo - horizontal, white

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