The Government of Rwanda, through the Ministry of Environment, is proud to announce the
approval of a $28 Million grant funding by the Green Climate Fund to support the Green City
Kigali initiative. The project was announced in South Korea during the 40th Board Meeting of
the GCF. This project will serve as a model for sustainable urbanization, showcasing
climate-resilient, low-emission infrastructure development.
In Rwanda’s rapidly urbanizing capital, Kigali, nearly 77.3% of the population resides in
unplanned settlements, making the city highly vulnerable to climate-related risks such as
floods and landslides. The Green City Kigali Project, implemented by the Rwanda Green Fund
addresses these challenges by focusing on the upgrade of informal settlements with
innovative, sustainable and climate resilient solutions.
“This agreement underscores the strength of our partnership at a critical time when the
effects of climate change are increasingly evident. These impacts not only threaten the
country’s economy but also pose serious risks to the lives of our people. The Green City
Kigali Project represents a proactive step towards creating a sustainable and resilient
urban environment, aiming to mitigate these challenges and promote a better quality of
life for all Rwandans,” said Dr Valentine Uwamariya, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment.
The Ngaruyinka Project Is part of a broader 600-hectare urban transformation plan and
includes the following key components:
– Green Infrastructure Investments: Resilient infrastructure for stormwater
management, water security, renewable energy, and improved waste management in
Ngaruyinka Village.
– Capacity Building and Skill Development: Establishment of a Technical and
Vocational Education and Training (TVET) center to develop green construction skills
and green livelihoods.
– Scale-up and Replication: Replicating best practices across Rwanda through training
programs for professionals in green construction and city development.
“This project not only represents a new model for urban development in Rwanda but has
the potential to provide a template for other cities in Africa and around the world to plan
resilient and sustainable urban development for a changing climate. GCF will look to
replicate this approach in other countries drawing on the lessons from Kigali,” said Henry
Gonzalez, Chief Investment Officer of the Green Climate Fund.
The project will be implemented over the next five years, positioning Kigali as a model of
sustainable, climate-resilient urban development for the region.
“The GCF board’s decision to support this project is a significant boost to our vision for
sustainable urban development. By integrating green technologies and improving
settlements in a challenging environment, this initiative complements the broader Green
City Kigali program, addressing climate challenges and promoting long-term resilience,”
said Teddy Mugabo, CEO Rwanda Green Fund.