KIGALI, Rwanda, August 30, 2026/APO Group/ —
On August 28, Ambassador Gao Wenqi attended the handover ceremony of the Masaka Hospital renovation and expansion project. Hon. Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Alphonse Rukaburandekwe, Director General of the Rwanda Housing Authority, representatives from the Rwandan Prime Minister’s Office and various walks of life, the Chinese medical team to Rwanda were present.
Ambassador Gao noted that the Masaka Hospital renovation and expansion project is a concrete action to implement the consensus reached by the Heads of State of the two countries, an important outcome of the FOCAC “Ten Partnership Actions”. As Rwanda’s largest, best-equipped, and most comprehensive, modern teaching hospital, it will empower Rwanda’s medical tourism industry, and serve as a regional medical hub of Eastern Africa. It will also benefit the African continent, and inject brand-new momentum into Africa’s public health sector. This year marks 55th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Rwanda, in line with the principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, the Chinese side will continue to deepen the China-Rwanda comprehensive strategic partnership, and support Rwanda in its realization of Vision 2050.
Minister Nsanzimana, on behalf of the Rwandan government, expressed sincere appreciation to China.He noted that Masaka Hospital expansion and renovation project serves as the best example of the friendship between Rwanda and China, which is deeply rooted in the general public and benefits both peoples. Starting from this milestone, Rwanda stands ready to deepen cooperation with China in health sector, and continuously enrich the connotation of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
At the event, the two sides signed the handover certificate and exchanged the symbolic key of the hospital.
The China-aided expansion and renovation project of the Masaka Hospital was launched in 2022. After completion, the hospital’s total floor area increased from 6,398㎡ to 56,957 ㎡, and the number of beds rose from 127 to 837. It now holds the capacity to provide medical services for more than 300,000 local residents.
