These initiatives, valued at over $193 million, are designed to address climate change, conserve biodiversity, and improve the quality of life for communities most affected by environmental degradation.
Over the years, the country has steadily increased its commitment to the environment, as reflected in the growing budget allocations to the Ministry of Environment.
The ministry's budget rose from Frw 14.8 billion in the 2022/2023 fiscal year to Frw 24.3 billion in 2024/2025, with projections reaching Frw 41 billion by 2027/2028.
Likewise, the Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA) and affiliated institutions are expected to spend over Frw 122.6 billion in the next three years alone.
Among the key projects is the Green Gicumbi Project, which began in 2019 and aims to help communities in the Northern Province adapt to climate change. With completion expected in December 2025, this project will cost more than Frw 46.6 billion.
It has already achieved impressive results, including constructing terraces on 1,450 hectares of land, creating over 38,000 jobs, replanting 7,400 hectares with agroforestry trees, and restoring 1,240 hectares of degraded forests.
In addition, the project reduced over 108,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions and distributed over 28,000 improved cookstoves.
Another major initiative is a project focused on communities living near Volcanoes National Park, which seeks to reduce human-wildlife conflict and mitigate flood risks.
With a total budget of more than Frw 89.4 billion, the project is set to run until December 2028.
In the 2025/2026 fiscal year, the project was allocated a budget of Frw1,623,007,953.
Over 1.4 million people from more than 223,000 households across districts like Ngororero, Nyabihu, Muhanga, Musanze, and Gakenke are expected to benefit from this project which began in October 2021.
Efforts are also being made to protect biodiversity in the Congo-Nile watershed. A project covering ten districts, including Musanze, Rubavu, and Rusizi, will conserve natural ecosystems in the Albertine Rift region.
This $39 million (over Frw 55.9 billion) initiative to run until December 2029, will restore forests, establish terraces, and deliver clean energy solutions to 8,500 households.
The project was allocated Frw10.7 billion in the 2025/2026 fiscal year. Meanwhile, the Green City Kigali Project is set to be one of Rwanda's most forward-looking urban housing projects.
In the 2025/2026 fiscal year, the project was allocated a budget of Frw 7,054,896,647.
Located in Kinyinya, Gasabo District, it will provide affordable, eco-friendly housing for more than 200,000 residents.
The project also includes schools, roads, and essential infrastructure, all designed with sustainability in mind. With a total government contribution of over Frw 40 billion, the project is expected to be completed by December 2029.
In addition to physical infrastructure, Rwanda is also investing in strengthening the capacity of government institutions to address climate-related challenges.
One such project, led by FONERWA and funded by the Adaptation Fund, began in July 2023 and is set to conclude in December 2027.
Valued at over Frw7.2 billion, it aims to equip government bodies with tools and strategies to manage disasters and climate variability.
In the 2025/2026 fiscal year, it was allocated a budget of over Frw1.6 billion. Rwanda is also monitoring the environmental impact of methane gas emissions in Lake Kivu through the Lake Kivu Monitoring Project (LKMP).
The project is valued at over Frw 12.7 billion, began in December 2024, and is expected to be completed by June 2026. In the 2025/2026 fiscal year, it has been allocated more than Frw 1.2 billion.
Lastly, the country is finalizing the Second Rwanda Urban Development Project, aimed at promoting modern, sustainable urban living across multiple districts.
Valued at over Frw 23.9 billion, the project is scheduled for completion by December 2025. For the 2025/2026 fiscal year, it has been allocated Frw 13.6 billion.
Altogether, these projects reflect Rwanda's strong commitment to building a climate-resilient futureâ€"one that balances development with environmental protection while improving the lives of its citizens.
IGIHE
