Rwanda is ramping up its commitment to climate-resilient development with a $193 million investment in major environmental and infrastructure projects set to be completed within the next three years.
The government, through the Ministry of Environment and the Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA), is directing resources into initiatives that balance rapid urbanization with ecological preservation — part of its long-term strategy for green growth.
Among the standout projects is Green Gicumbi, launched in 2019 to help rural communities adapt to climate change. Now nearing completion, the project has restored forests, built terraces across 1,450 hectares, created over 38,000 jobs (more than half held by women), and cut carbon emissions by over 108,000 tons. It’s on track to wrap up by December 2025 at a cost of $32.8 million.
In Volcanoes National Park, a $62 million buffer-zone project is underway to protect residents from flooding and wildlife incursions, benefiting more than 1.4 million people across five districts. It’s expected to run through 2028.
A separate effort, focused on biodiversity conservation in the Congo-Nile Divide, began earlier this year and targets reforestation and sustainable land use across 10 districts. The $39 million project is set to last through 2029.
Kigali’s housing sector is also going green. The Green City Kigali initiative — designed to house 200,000 people in eco-friendly, affordable homes — is taking shape in Kinyinya Sector. Backed by $27.9 million in public funding, it will include roads, schools, and green infrastructure, all with low environmental impact.
Other initiatives include methane gas monitoring on Lake Kivu, government capacity building for climate adaptation, and modern urban planning under the Second Rwanda Urban Development Project.
Together, these projects signal Rwanda’s determination to build a sustainable future — one that puts people, climate, and development on equal footing.
