Rwanda Launches Climate and Nature Finance Strategy to Boost Sustainability

The Government of Rwanda officially launched its National Climate and Nature Finance Strategy, a comprehensive plan designed to accelerate investment in climate action and nature conservation, during a high-level event in Kigali today. The strategy aims to position Rwanda as a leader in sustainable development by addressing climate change and biodiversity loss while driving economic growth.

The event brought together senior government officials, development partners, private sector leaders, and civil society organizations to pledge their support for financing climate action in Rwanda. The new strategy seeks to align financial flows with Rwanda’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy (GGCRS).

Mutesi Rusagara, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Resource Mobilization and Public Investments, highlighted the importance of both domestic and international resources in tackling these environmental challenges.

“Rwanda recognizes that climate resilience and nature conservation are two sides of the same coin. Our National Climate and Nature Finance Strategy will help us harness innovative financing solutions to achieve our sustainable development goals,” said Rusagara. “By bringing together public, private, and international resources, we will unlock investments that safeguard both our environment and the livelihoods of our people.”

The strategy focuses on several key areas, including resource mobilization, private sector engagement, and nature-based solutions. It calls for public-private partnerships (PPPs) and incentives for sustainable investments across agriculture, energy, and infrastructure, creating green jobs and driving economic development.

Additionally, the plan promotes ecosystem restoration, sustainable land use, and conservation efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance biodiversity, water security, and disaster resilience. A new Climate Finance and Green Economy Department within the Ministry of Finance will oversee the coordination of climate finance efforts, ensuring the alignment of investments with the country’s long-term environmental goals.

Albert Solé, Senior Private Sector Specialist at the World Bank, praised Rwanda’s leadership in mobilizing climate finance. “Rwanda is already a leader in the mobilization of climate and nature finance, effectively leveraging global climate trust funds and bilateral resources for the environment sector,” said Solé. He added, “This strategy will prioritize climate-resilient and sustainable investments and support innovative financial structures to enhance climate action and conserve Rwanda’s biodiversity.”

The strategy is part of Rwanda’s broader vision to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The government has called on the private sector, civil society, and international partners to collaborate and unlock the full potential of climate and nature finance to support the country’s sustainable development goals.