Rwanda and Singapore Set Up Climate Partnership Through Carbon Market Agreement

In a meaningful step toward climate resilience and sustainable development, Rwanda and Singapore have officially signed an Implementation Agreement under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, setting the stage for joint carbon market initiatives. The agreement was inked during Ecosperity Week 2025 in Singapore, a key gathering of global thought leaders and policymakers dedicated to accelerating climate action and building a just, green future.

This new partnership builds upon a Memorandum of Understanding the two nations signed in December 2023 at COP28 in Dubai. Now formalized, the agreement will allow both countries to collaborate on the trade of high-quality carbon credits—a move that promises not just emissions reductions, but also greater innovation, investment, and job creation, particularly in Rwanda.

At the signing ceremony, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, highlighted the potential of carbon markets as a transformative climate tool.

“Rwanda is committed to deepening technical cooperation with Singapore to harness the potential of carbon markets as an effective tool for climate action,” she said. “Through this Agreement, we aim to promote high-integrity carbon markets, achieve tangible emissions reductions, and support sustainable development for our communities. It also paves the way for stronger public-private partnerships to collectively address the global challenge of climate change impacts.”

Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Ms. Grace Fu Hai Yien, also expressed optimism about the growing collaboration between the two nations.

“Over the years, Singapore and Rwanda have strengthened cooperation in forward-looking areas such as digital economy and fintech. Climate change is a new and emerging area of collaboration given the existential challenges that we are facing globally,” she said. “This Implementation Agreement builds on our existing partnership and represents a concrete step in operationalising the Paris Agreement. I look forward to companies utilising this Agreement to develop high-quality carbon credit projects under Article 6 to accelerate climate action.”

Beyond its symbolic significance, the agreement marks a new chapter in South–Southeast cooperation on climate action, demonstrating how countries can work together to meet their respective Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) while ensuring equity and sustainable development.

The next phase will focus on putting the agreement into action through carbon credit projects that deliver measurable environmental and socioeconomic benefits. A joint working group will lead the way, ensuring strong environmental safeguards, active private sector involvement, and a commitment to innovation.

As climate change continues to pose global challenges, Rwanda and Singapore’s partnership serves as a timely reminder that international cooperation—rooted in action and integrity—remains one of the most powerful tools in building a resilient, low-carbon future.