The initiative is financed by the Government of Poland and was formalized at UNIDO headquarters in Vienna.
The signing ceremony took place between UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller and Rwanda's Permanent Representative to UNIDO, Ambassador Urujeni Bakuramutsa, in the presence of Poland's Head of Mission to UNIDO, Ambassador Marek Szczygieł, and officials from Poland's Ministry of Economic Development and Technology.
'Today's signing is more than just a document, it marks the beginning of a triangular partnership: Poland as an emerging donor, UNIDO with its technical expertise, and Rwanda on its path toward resilient, sustainable development,' Director General Müller said. 'Together, we will deliver practical solutions that improve lives and build a safer, more sustainable future.'
Titled 'Strengthening Rwanda's capacities to respond to industrial and natural hazards,' the project will be implemented by UNIDO in cooperation with the Fire and Rescue Brigade of the Rwanda National Police.
It aims to strengthen institutional capacities, carry out a comprehensive feasibility study and risk assessment, and prepare a roadmap to improve national firefighting and emergency response systems.
A potential second phase could support targeted capacity‑building and the provision of specialized firefighting equipment.
Amb. Bakuramutsa described the project as a concrete example of multilateral cooperation that supports national development objectives.
'This project embodies the principles of international cooperation that define effective multilateralism,' she said. 'It directly contributes to the implementation of our Second National Strategy for Transformation and Vision 2050, particularly in building a modern, competitive and green industrial economy.'
The project aligns with UNIDO's strategic priorities of fostering sustainable and resilient industrialization, securing supply chains and promoting industrial safety and security. It is expected to strengthen Rwanda's disaster preparedness and industrial safety frameworks, with practical benefits for communities and businesses.
Ambassador Szczygieł emphasized Poland's commitment to development cooperation with African partners.
'Poland attaches great importance to development cooperation with African countries, and the project being signed today, implemented by UNIDO, is a prime example of this,' he said, noting Poland's recent cooperation with UNIDO in countries such as Tajikistan, Moldova and Georgia and the country's continued support for Ukraine.
Beyond its immediate technical aims, the initiative also marks a step toward deeper cooperation between Poland and UNIDO and signals Warsaw's growing role as a reliable development partner.
By joining efforts with Rwanda, UNIDO and Poland intend to lay the groundwork for long‑term collaboration focused on resilience, innovation and inclusive industrial growth.
Karirima Aimable Ngarambe
