The 10th anniversary of the Rwanda Green Fund was celebrated with enthusiasm in a vibrant event held on November 23 at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village. This marked a significant milestone, showcasing the Fund’s impactful journey in driving transformative change within Rwanda.

Established in 2012, the Rwanda Green Fund has been instrumental in advancing the nation’s climate action initiatives and promoting a more sustainable and resilient future. With a clear mandate to invest in both public and private projects capable of instigating transformative shifts, the Fund has actively contributed to creating an ecosystem that nurtures, accelerates, and funds high-impact green ventures. Additionally, it has played a catalytic role in attracting climate finance and encouraging green investment.

At the core of its mission is the aim to harness the potential of green finance for sustainable development. The Fund strategically provides unparalleled technical and financial support to top-tier public and private projects that align with Rwanda’s commitment to cultivating a green economy.

The celebration of the 10th anniversary served as a platform for key stakeholders, government officials, partners, and environmental advocates to come together. The event offered an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of the past decade and to collectively envision a future that is not only brighter but also greener.

“As we mark a decade of significant impact, we acknowledge the pivotal role played by the Rwanda Green Fund in advancing our nation’s ambitious environmental and climate objectives. Our gratitude extends to all partners whose support has enabled the Fund’s meaningful contributions. This milestone signifies a fresh chapter in our journey, where innovation and leadership continue to drive us towards a greener, more sustainable, and climate-resilient Rwanda,” stated Teddy Mugabo, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Green Fund.

Over the past 10 years, the Rwanda Green Fund has emerged as a driving force, effectively mobilizing and managing funds dedicated to addressing climate change, fostering environmental conservation, and cultivating strategic financial partnerships.

To date, the fund has successfully mobilized $274 million, with its impact evident across communities, ecosystems, and industries, significantly contributing to the nation’s green growth objectives.

The fund is poised to play a crucial role in Rwanda’s pursuit of an ambitious climate action plan, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 38 percent by 2030 compared to business as usual. Achieving this goal necessitates an investment of approximately $11 billion, divided into $5.7 billion for mitigation and $5.3 billion for adaptation. This funding is expected to be sourced from both domestic and external channels.

In conjunction with the celebration, the Rwanda Green Fund unveiled a refreshed brand identity and outlined its strategic roadmap for the next decade. This encompasses a new vision, mission, and core values that mirror the Fund’s evolving role in shaping the future landscape of climate finance in Rwanda.

Recognized Partners and Achievements

The event showcased an exhibition highlighting the flagship projects of the fund, acknowledging the crucial role played by partners in advancing its mission. The World Bank was lauded as an innovative partner, particularly for its groundbreaking efforts in enhancing financial tools for Rwanda’s private sector. Their support, totaling over $5 million, has significantly fueled transformative strategies.

UNDP received recognition as the anchor partner, praised for its steadfast support in institutionalizing the Fund and aligning its efforts with global climate goals. The organization’s commitment has been instrumental in the Fund’s mission.

KFW Development Bank was honored as a climate vanguard, with special acknowledgment of their remarkable $100 million contribution and support for Rwanda’s Green City initiative. This substantial contribution represents a significant milestone in climate finance.

GGGI was awarded as an architect partner, commended for their strategic assistance in restructuring the fund. Their efforts in securing $32 million for the Gicumbi Project were particularly noteworthy and contributed significantly to the fund’s success.

The fund proudly celebrated the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) as its Inclusivity Champion. SIDA’s advocacy for gender mainstreaming and civil society support, backed by over $5 million in funding, serves as an inspiring example of commitment to inclusivity.

UK Aid received recognition as a Pioneer Partner for its pivotal role in kickstarting the Rwanda Green Fund with an initial investment of £22.5 million. Minister of Environment, Jeanne D’arc Mujawamariya expressed appreciation for the fund’s partners, donors, and founders, attributing their collective efforts to the fund’s success.

Mujawamariya emphasized the Rwanda Green Fund as a distinctive, locally-driven solution arising from the imperative to finance the nation’s ambitious environmental goals and address escalating threats to the environment. She commended the establishment of a dedicated financial mechanism for investing in transformative projects aimed at environmental protection and climate change response, describing it as an inspired initiative. Expressing gratitude to those whose wisdom and foresight shaped this journey, she highlighted the profound impact the Rwanda Green Fund has had on the country over the past decade.