Rwanda has on June 5, 2023 launched the Revised Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy as part of World Environment Day celebrations. The strategy has been revised by the Ministry of Environment in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, and aims to define a development pathway for Rwanda that is climate resilient and harnesses green economic innovation. It has been updated to align with Vision 2050 and will serve as Rwanda's long-term strategy for low-emissions development.

In 2011, Rwanda adopted a ground-breaking Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy (GGCRS) with the aim to be a developed, climate-resilient and low-carbon economy by 2050. Given the faster than expected impact of climate change and Rwanda’s new socio-economic development goals, there was a need to revisit the strategy to ensure it remains relevant and adaptable. As a result, the Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy has been updated to ensure it continues to serve as a relevant, effective, and implementable guiding national document.

The revised Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy aims to guide national policy and planning in an integrated way, mainstream climate change into all sectors of the economy, and position Rwanda to access international climate funding and investment. Areas of significant revision include Rwanda’s development pathway, thematic programme areas, enabling pillars, and implementation roadmap.

“The launch of the revised Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy marks a pivotal moment in Rwanda's sustainable development journey. This strategy represents our unwavering commitment to addressing climate change and building a resilient and low carbon economy. By aligning our national goals with global priorities, we are taking proactive steps to achieve our ambitious climate action targets. Together, let us seize this opportunity to build a bright future for both people and our planet," said Dr Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment.

“The strategy demonstrates Rwanda's visionary approach to sustainable development and aligns with UNDP's mission of inclusive and sustainable growth. Together, we empower Rwanda to forge a low-carbon economy, paving the way for a future that prioritises jobs, prosperity, and the health of its people. We are proud to have contributed to the creation of this remarkable strategy," said Maxwell Gomera, Resident Representative, UNDP Rwanda.

The revised strategy also aims to guide and enhance Rwanda’s NDC Climate Action Plan to reduce emissions by 38% by 2030 compared to business as usual. The specific strategic objectives include ensuring energy security and low-carbon energy supply for green industry and services, promoting sustainable land use and water resource management, and prioritising social protection, health improvement, and disaster risk reduction.

The strategy will require an average of US $2 billion per annum, of which US $700 million will come from government budgets and spending. External resource mobilisation will be led by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning and the Rwanda Green Fund. Climate finance mechanisms such as Ireme Invest - Rwanda’s Green Investment Facility will boost private sector participation in implementing the strategy. In addition, the Fund will promote partnerships to leverage funding from climate funds, the private sector, enhanced domestic revenues, and other innovative financing mechanisms.

Download an overview of the revised Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy here, and the full copy of the strategy here.