The Green Climate Fund has approved a $28 million grant for the Green City Kigali project

The Rwandan government, via its Ministry of Environment, has unveiled a pivotal advancement in its quest for sustainable urban development: the Green Climate Fund (GCF) has granted $28 million to support the Kigali Green City initiative. This announcement was made during the GCF’s 40th Board Meeting in South Korea. The initiative aims to establish a benchmark for eco-friendly urban growth by promoting infrastructure that is resilient to climate impacts and emits low levels of greenhouse gases.

As Kigali faces rapid urban growth, approximately 77.3% of its residents currently live in informal settlements, significantly increasing the city’s susceptibility to climate-related hazards such as flooding and landslides. The Kigali Green City initiative, managed by the Rwanda Green Fund, seeks to transform these informal areas with innovative, sustainable solutions designed to endure climate challenges.

Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, “This partnership is crucial at a time when the realities of climate change are becoming increasingly severe. These challenges threaten not just our economy but also the wellbeing of our citizens. The Kigali Green City initiative represents a proactive approach to building a sustainable urban environment, aiming to alleviate these issues and enhance the quality of life for all Rwandans.”

The project, named the Ngaruyinka Project, is part of a broader 600-hectare urban redevelopment plan and includes several essential components:

•Investment in Green Infrastructure: The initiative will enhance infrastructure focusing on effective stormwater management, water security, renewable energy sources, and improved waste management in Ngaruyinka Village.

•Skill Development and Capacity Building: A Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) center will be established to foster skills in eco-friendly construction and promote sustainable job opportunities.

•Replication and Scaling Up: The project aims to disseminate successful practices throughout Rwanda through comprehensive training programs for professionals in green construction and urban planning.

Henry Gonzalez, Chief Investment Officer of the Green Climate Fund, commented on the initiative’s broader implications, stating, “This project not only establishes a new standard for urban development in Rwanda but also has the potential to serve as a model for other cities in Africa and globally, guiding resilient urban development in a changing climate. GCF intends to apply the lessons learned from Kigali to other nations.”

Over the next five years, the initiative will take shape in Kigali, aiming to position the city as a leader in sustainable, climate-resilient urban development in the region. Teddy Mugabo, CEO of the Rwanda Green Fund, expressed optimism about the GCF’s support, noting, “The board’s decision to back this initiative significantly advances our vision for sustainable urban growth. By integrating green technologies and enhancing settlements in challenging environments, this project complements the broader Kigali Green City initiative, addressing climate challenges and fostering long-term resilience.”

About the Rwanda Green Fund

The Rwanda Green Fund acts as the nation’s principal financing vehicle aimed at attracting climate finance. Through strategic investments, the fund catalyzes transformative impacts that promote sustainable development and bolster climate resilience in Rwanda. Committed to fostering innovative solutions for sustainable finance and green growth, the Rwanda Green Fund plays a crucial role in mobilizing resources and financing climate initiatives, laying the groundwork for a sustainable future for Kigali and beyond.