Rwanda seeks to host UN agencies, challenging Nairobi’s leadership in Africa

Rwanda has officially submitted a letter to the United Nations, expressing its intention to host important agencies as part of the UN80 reform process.

The proposal highlights Kigali as an affordable and safe center for international activities, positioning the city as a strong rival to Nairobi.

Nairobi currently functions as the UN’s main African headquarters and is home to several prominent UN organizations.

In a letter dated May 15, 2025, Rwanda presented itself as a competitive candidate for hosting multilateral organizations, emphasizing its secure, dependable, and supportive environment that is also budget-friendly for international activities.

"With the United Nations embarking on an ambitious transformation through the UN80 Initiative, Rwanda is prepared to be a dedicated partner in advancing the future of its global operations," read part of the letter.

"The Government of Rwanda is pleased to formally express interest in hosting UN functions, agencies, and programs under consideration for relocation, to ensure cost-effective measures."

The Rwandan government states that Kigali’s strategic position—offering direct air links to major regional and global centers—alongside its proven political stability, effective institutions, and strong security, makes the city an ideal location to host UN operations.

The government also affirmed its commitment to offer office facilities and necessary services, showing readiness to collaborate on establishing a permanent UN campus in central Kigali.

Additionally, Rwanda’s proposal outlines a full range of privileges, immunities, and tax exemptions, all aligned with UN requirements.

Furthermore, President Paul Kagame’s administration has extended an invitation to a UN technical team to visit Kigali for detailed discussions.

"We would be pleased to host a technical mission from your Office in Kigali at the earliest convenience to further explore this proposal. The visit will provide an opportunity to directly assess Rwanda’s infrastructure and resources and ensure our support aligns with the UN’s operational and relocation needs," the letter reads.

Rwanda’s bid to host UN agencies follows shortly after Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi announced plans to establish three new global UN offices in Kenya by the close of 2026.

At a consultative meeting held at the Prime Cabinet Secretary’s office on February 20, 2025, it was highlighted that Kenya’s strategic role as a regional logistics and financial center provides significant benefits in supporting the UN’s multilateral diplomacy and advancing important global and regional objectives.

"We are collaborating closely and Kenya is eager to gain the UN’s support, with a firm commitment to establishing Nairobi as a key hub for the UN’s operations—locally, regionally, and worldwide," Mudavadi stated.

Kenya currently hosts the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).

Additionally, Nairobi acts as the regional hub for numerous other UN agencies through the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), which offers administrative support for UN activities across Africa.

Agencies like UNICEF, UNHCR, and WFP also maintain regional offices in the city.