The Green Climate Fund (GCF) Board has approved a substantial grant of $28 million (approximately Frw37 billion) to support Rwanda’s Green City Kigali initiative. This decision was announced by the Ministry of Environment on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, following the GCF’s 40th Board Meeting held in South Korea.
The ministry highlighted that the Green City project, overseen by the Rwanda Green Fund, aims to establish a model for sustainable urban development, focusing on the creation of low-emission, climate-resilient infrastructure.
Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, emphasized that the project is designed to address the challenges posed by rapid urbanization, particularly by improving informal settlements through innovative and sustainable solutions that are resilient to climate impacts. The initiative aims to mitigate risks associated with climate-related events, such as floods and landslides.
“This agreement reflects the strength of our partnership during a crucial time when the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly evident. These effects threaten not only the economy but also the safety and well-being of our citizens. The Green City Kigali Project represents a proactive approach to building a sustainable and resilient urban environment, improving the quality of life for all Rwandans,” stated Dr. Uwamariya.
The GCF funding will specifically support the Ngaruyinka Project, which is part of a larger 600-hectare urban transformation strategy. This initiative will involve significant investments in green infrastructure to develop effective systems for stormwater management, ensure water security, incorporate renewable energy, and enhance waste management within Ngaruyinka Village.
Moreover, the project emphasizes capacity building and skill development through the establishment of a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) center dedicated to promoting green construction skills and fostering sustainable livelihoods.
The initiative will also focus on scaling and replicating best practices across Rwanda, facilitated by training programs aimed at professionals in green construction and urban development.
Henry Gonzalez, Chief Investment Officer of the GCF, remarked that the project not only introduces a new model for urban development in Rwanda but also has the potential to serve as a blueprint for other cities in Africa and around the world, enabling them to plan for resilient and sustainable urban growth in response to climate change.
“The GCF will look to replicate this approach in other countries, drawing on lessons learned from Kigali,” Gonzalez added.
Set to be implemented over the next five years, this project positions Kigali as a leading example of sustainable, climate-resilient urban development in the region.
“The GCF board’s decision to support this initiative significantly advances our vision for sustainable urban development. By integrating green technologies and enhancing settlements in challenging environments, this initiative complements the broader Green City Kigali program, addressing climate challenges and promoting long-term resilience,” said Teddy Mugabo, CEO of the Rwanda Green Fund.
Established in 2010 as part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the GCF is a global initiative aimed at helping developing countries combat climate change by funding projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote climate resilience.
