• Rwanda launches KUBAKA, a new digital platform for building permit applications

• The system lets users apply, track, and receive permits entirely online

• Officials say it will speed up urban planning while reducing paperwork and in-person visits

Rwanda has rolled out a new online platform that allows people to apply for building permits without ever setting foot in a government office. Called KUBAKA, the platform is designed to end long wait times and make the process faster and easier for developers, architects, and everyday citizens.

KUBAKA replaces the older permit management system known as BPMIS, which was first introduced in 2016. This new version brings several upgrades. Now, applicants can submit their documents, track progress, and receive approved permits all through the platform. It also checks projects against Rwanda’s latest urban planning regulations to make sure they follow national guidelines automatically.

“The KUBAKA platform provides significant improvements from the former BPMIS, by ensuring that urban growth is coordinated, follows the environmental requirements of master plans, adopts the required density standards, and enables formal construction,”  said Alphonse Rukaburandekwe, Director General of Rwanda’s Housing Authority.

Rwanda has been investing in the digitalization of urban services for several years. Since 2023, all land titles in the country have been issued exclusively in digital format. Back in 2020, the government also launched a tool that allows users to view detailed information about any registered land parcel in the country.

The biggest promise of KUBAKA is speed. What used to take several weeks could now be done in just a few days, as long as the paperwork is in order. A similar reform in Benin in 2020 helped cut down building permit processing times by around 20 days, offering a glimpse of the time savings Rwanda is aiming for.

Still, the move online is not without challenges. Many rural communities and small businesses may struggle to access the internet or own the devices needed to use the platform. As of January 2025, Rwanda had 4.93 million internet users, representing an internet penetration rate of 34.2%, according to Data Reportal.

There are also concerns about data security and fraud prevention. As more services move online, Rwanda will need to strengthen its digital governance to protect users and ensure the system remains fair and reliable for everyone.