Rwanda is seeking a common African position on climate action as it works to raise $7 billion still needed to finance its climate programme through 2035.
Environment Minister Bernadette Arakwiye said a declaration already endorsed by the African Group of Negotiators is intended to bring countries closer together on priorities affecting developing nations.
“We want to see more alignment on what it is that we are going to focus on moving forward,” Arakwiye said.
Rwanda estimates that implementing its climate measures through 2035 will cost about $12 billion. Rwanda Green Fund chief executive Teddy Mugabo said about $5 billion has so far been mobilised, leaving $7 billion to raise.
“We have mobilised $5 billion to invest in climate action projects, and we are now looking for another $7 billion,” Mugabo said.
He said the remaining money would require Rwanda to widen its financing base as international climate finance changes. The Green Fund is also looking at domestic investors, the securities market and other financial instruments.
For Rwanda, adaptation is a particular concern because of its exposure to climate-related disasters. Arakwiye cited the 2023 floods and landslides, saying the country had to mobilise about $400 million to respond.
“When you come in too late, you spend much more trying to recover from the losses,” she said, adding that adaptation would be high on Rwanda’s agenda.
The minister said Rwanda wants the upcoming international meetings to produce practical measures rather than commitments that are not implemented.
“These are not just events. We are not talking about events for the sake of the events,” she said.
Rwanda will host the 38th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol, or MOP38, in Kigali from Nov. 2 to 6, 10 years after countries adopted the Kigali Amendment in the city.
The amendment calls for the gradual reduction of hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, gases widely used in refrigeration and air-conditioning. Its full implementation could avoid up to 0.5°C of global warming by the end of the century.
Rwanda will also host the Carbon Markets Africa Summit from Oct. 13 to 15 and participate in CBD COP17 in Armenia and COP31 in Türkiye.
Arakwiye said Rwanda also wants young negotiators to contribute to African positions in international discussions, while pushing for action on adaptation, waste management and other environmental priorities.
