Rwanda is making a bold pitch to investors as it launches a revised Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy (GGCRS), valued at over Rwf3 trillion, aimed at transforming the country into a climate-resilient, low-carbon economy by 2050.

Unveiled during a high-level policy dialogue in Kigali, the updated strategy signals a pivotal shift in the country’s development model from donor-driven, fragmented projects to large-scale, coordinated green investments led by the private sector.

“Financing is key in implementing this strategy, and this budget will largely come from the government and private sector, but this time around, we are also focusing on having tailor-made projects funded by private investors,” said William Mugabo, a lead expert behind the revised GGCRS. 

The revised strategy, first adopted in 2011 and updated in 2023, now prioritizes four key areas: green industry and trade, green urban transition and integration, sustainable land and resource use, and resilient rural livelihoods.

Government officials emphasized that the updated plan is not just about launching climate-friendly projects; it’s about transforming how institutions think, plan, and execute. ”We must improve the planning because we have been having plans based on incidents. Instead, we need to focus on research and long-term planning, but also design programs that are based on this,” said Faustin Munyazikwiye, Deputy Director-General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA).

Teddy Mpinganzima Mugabo, CEO of the Rwanda Green Fund, stressed the importance of diverse funding sources and efficient financial ecosystems. “We are learning to shift from scattered initiatives to focused, impactful programs that engage ministries like Agriculture and Infrastructure,” she said.

Minister of Environment Valentine Uwamariya described the strategy as a national roadmap for inclusive economic transformation. “Our success depends on unlocking significant climate and nature finance, deepening private sector engagement, and building systems that deliver measurable impact,” she noted.

With over 74 percent of Rwanda’s land used for agriculture, the strategy focuses heavily on enhancing natural capital, especially in climate-vulnerable areas. Initiatives like climate-smart agriculture and sustainable infrastructure will form the backbone of the country’s green transition.

The plan aligns with existing financial frameworks like the $11 billion Rwanda Green Taxonomy and the $3 billion Climate and Nature Finance Strategy, both designed to attract investors into Rwanda’s growing green market.

“Our monitoring systems must go beyond tracking activities. They must capture real outcomes, learning, and accountability. That’s how we build trust and secure long-term financing,” Uwamariya added.

With this renewed focus, Rwanda is positioning itself not only as a green economy pioneer in Africa but also as a magnet for sustainable investment.