Rwanda Launches Updated Climate Action Plan to Boost Resilience and Cut Emissions by 2035

Rwanda has unveiled a strengthened national climate strategy with the release of its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) under the Paris Agreement.

The updated Climate Action Plan lays out a more ambitious pathway to 2035, reinforcing the country’s commitment to building resilience, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and managing the escalating risks posed by climate change.

The revised plan marks a significant step forward in Rwanda’s drive toward a carbon-neutral and climate-resilient economy. It aligns closely with the country’s long-term Vision 2050 and builds on progress made under the previous NDC 2.0.

A More Ambitious and Comprehensive Climate Plan

For the first time, Rwanda’s NDC includes emissions and removals from Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF), making it an economy-wide plan informed by the full national greenhouse gas inventory. The update extends Rwanda’s climate planning horizon to 2035, raising ambition across all major sectors.

The country has committed to reducing its net greenhouse gas emissions by up to 53% compared to a business-as-usual scenario by 2035; equivalent to 14.86 million tonnes of CO₂e. This includes a 7% unconditional reduction financed domestically and a further 46% conditional reduction dependent on international support and financing.

Energy, agriculture, and forestry remain key sectors with the highest potential for emission reductions. The plan also introduces new targets for adaptation and loss and damage, supported by a strengthened national measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) system aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability.

An Inclusive Process Guiding a Clear Path to 2035

Juliet Kabera, Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), emphasized the broad engagement behind the new plan.

“Rwanda’s NDC 3.0 is the result of an inclusive and evidence-based process that brought together policy makers, experts, civil society, the private sector, youth and development partners… Implementation will be key and it will require strong partnerships and continued commitment.”

The updated plan outlines integrated mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage priorities while establishing a clearer system for monitoring progress and mobilizing resources.

To fully implement NDC 3.0, Rwanda estimates it will require USD 12 billion by 2035. Sixty percent of this funding will support adaptation measures; reflecting the country’s high vulnerability to climate-related shocks; while 40% will be devoted to mitigation.

New Mechanisms to Support Climate Action

As part of the strengthened approach, a new Country Platform for Climate and Development will coordinate national efforts, investment pipelines, and international partnerships to mobilize the financing needed to deliver on NDC 3.0.

Minister of Environment Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye reiterated Rwanda’s determination to advance bold climate action:

“Rwanda’s new Climate Action Plan reflects our determination to act decisively on climate change for people, our economy, and our planet… We are building our adaptive capacity to deal with climate shocks, raising our ambition to reduce emissions, and strengthening resilience for continued economic development.”

Built on Partnership and Evidence

The Government of Rwanda acknowledged the many partners who supported the development of NDC 3.0, including the World Bank, UNDP, NDC Partnership, GGGI, bilateral German cooperation, and several UN agencies and international organizations.

The plan draws on an extensive national consultation process involving government institutions, civil society, academia, youth groups, the private sector, and development partners; ensuring that Rwanda’s priorities and community needs are firmly embedded within its climate commitments.