The city of Kigali nestles in the rolling hills of Rwanda, thereby making it not only the capital but also the cleanest city on the continent. The effort Rwanda has put into attaining environmental sustainability and cleanliness has transformed Kigali into a model city for Africa and beyond.

Kigali is almost like a Unique example of well-thought-out policies in which civic involvement is pertinent to ways that make it remarkably clean and pleasing, unlike many cities. It has lively streets, manicured green spaces, and well-structured infrastructure.

Cleanliness in Kigali did not happen overnight; it was part of a conceptualized vision by the Rwandan government. Similarly, its aspiration toward middle-income economy status by 2035 is deeply embedded with guarantee for environmental stewardship and sustainable urban growth.

This is manifested by orderly streets, neatly planted greenery, and a litter-free cityscape of Kigali-features that accrue to very few cities around the world.

In fact, Kigali has become an eye-catcher of international gaze on account of its cleanliness and proper planning. "Kigali epitomizes civic responsibility coupled with strong government policies on environmental cleanliness," informs Dr. Rose Mukankomeje, the Director-General of Rwanda Environment Management Authority - REMA. This aspiration rhymes well with Rwanda's sustainable development goals and puts Kigali in a strategic position to inspire the other African capitals.

These are the policies on which the success story of Kigali is hinged: a makeover in the concept of waste management, urban planning, and involvement of the community. In 2008, Rwanda was among the first countries in the world to ban plastic bags; in 2019, it further extended that ban to single-use plastics.

Such a radical step has cleaned up much of the litter from nonbiodegradable waste and has kept the streets of Kigali remarkably clean. Any such proactive approach to plastics would remain one of the most telling signs of Kigali's-and Rwanda's-commitment to environmental sustainability.

Apart from that, strict systems of waste management have been put in place within the capital city of Rwanda. Locals governments promptly collect and segregate the wastes while making sure that proper directions in waste disposal are followed by every household.

Similarly, the recycling plants within and outside Kigali make sure those wastes are handled in the right manner while regular inspection system generalizes a high level of cleanliness of the public places.

Indeed, one of the cornerstones in Kigali's cleanliness is the monthly clean-up service of the community, known as Umuganda, literally meaning "coming together in common purpose".

Every last Saturday of the month, Rwandan citizens all over the country rise to clean their communities. Businesses, employees of the local government, and ordinary citizens scrub the streets clean, repair the public infrastructure, and beautify the green spaces. It is one of those few activities which keep Kigali clean and at the same time inculcate great civic responsibility among its people.

As President Paul Kagame once emphasized, "cleanliness is part of Rwandan culture, and the success depends on our willingness to maintain this policy." This is the philosophy that underlines how Rwandans regard cleanliness: not only as a duty but as something alive within them. This type of thinking receives further reinforcement from the social participation within Umuganda; cleanliness becomes shared and common among members of the community, celebrated as such.

The cleanliness of Kigali stretched even onto the streets with well-planned and neatly maintained green spaces for environmental and social gains. Parks like the verdant Nyamirambo Green Park and the famous Car Free Zone right in the middle of the city act to be spots for recreation both for locals and tourists, adding an extra refreshing aesthetic value. Those open spaces clean the air, cool urban heat, and act as scenic open spaces where people can get some relaxation while viewing nature.

Green initiatives in the city come into full prominence in urban planning. For instance, street lighting in Kigali is energy-efficient; for safety, it uses only that amount of electricity which is extremely necessary. The leaders of Kigali do not restrain themselves from finding environmentally friendly means of public transport, such as electric buses, in their bigger vision toward reducing carbon emissions in the city.

It has left an indelible mark in the minds of tourists and international organizations that have visited Kigali. In comparison with other cities, most tourists visiting Kigali are shocked by the organization and beauty the city portrays.

"Kigali is different from any other African city I've ever been to," says Marie, a tourist from France. "The streets are so clean, and the people really take interest in making sure it stays this way.

More than that, Kigali was recognized internationally as one of the best tourist cities because of its cleanliness. In 2015, the United Nations Environment Programme, recognizing the cleanliness of Kigali, as well as its environmental policies, showcased this city as a model for sustainable urban growth.

Such forms of recognition further open up opportunities in the Rwandan tourism sector and will eventually translate to more business for locals, hence opening up more opportunities for economic development.

As that growth continues, so does Kigali's ambition to keep ahead and stay among the cleanest cities in the world, while Rwanda has set ambitious goals of sustainable growth-a reduction in emissions and a guarantee of healthy, vibrant urban environments.

Planning an increase in renewable energy reliance for the city, expansion of public transportation, and eco-friendly building practices are some of the ways Kigali approaches forward-thinking urban management.

Kigali stands out in refreshing contrast to most other municipalities that may exist around a world whose mark of many cities is polluted and environmentally degraded. Rather, this city is yet another true mark of cohesive policies, active involvement, and purpose shared within the community. It's a city where cleanliness and pride go hand in hand, thus making it even cleaner, greener, and friendlier to residents and guests alike.

Wow, This is so very cleanest city some call it "The African Singapore",

In that aspect, Kigali merits being considered the cleanest city in Africa, with Rwanda becoming more anxious for sustainable development, community participation, and environmental care.

Other cities seek their paths to surmount the challenge of urbanization, and from Kigali comes one example: a shared responsibility of policy projects driven by visions toward a more sustainable future and a cleaner one.