The Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) has kicked off a new project to help Rwandans take advantage of the growing carbon market. The initiative, which will cost over $800,000, was launched on March 27, 2025.
The project will run for two years and aims to teach local communities about the carbon market. It will also explain which types of projects can qualify, help people reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support these projects in selling carbon credits.
This effort is part of Rwanda’s plan to cut emissions by 38% by 2030, in line with its commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change.
Faustin Munyazikwiye, REMA’s Deputy Director-General, explained that many Rwandans don’t fully understand the carbon market or how they can help reduce emissions. This project will provide the knowledge and tools to get them involved.
“This partnership with GGGI is important for Rwanda because it will help us meet our climate goals and create a strong carbon market. This will also attract more investors and support global climate action,” Munyazikwiye said.
Caroline Raes, GGGI’s representative in Rwanda, added that the project’s goal is to build trust among Rwandans. She wants them to see that carbon market projects are not only possible but also profitable. The project will help increase the number of environmentally friendly projects that Rwanda can sell on the carbon market.
The carbon market connects rich countries, who emit a lot of greenhouse gases, with developing countries like Rwanda. In return for reducing emissions, Rwanda can receive financial support for projects like forest conservation and promoting clean energy alternatives to wood and charcoal.
Raes noted, “Some people think these projects are complicated, so we want to show them that they can get involved and benefit financially.”
Rwanda has already signed agreements with Sweden and Singapore to participate in the carbon market.
