Rwanda’s Ambitious Climate Targets and the Path Forward
Rwanda has set an ambitious new target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 53% by 2035, a significant increase from its previous goal of a 38% reduction by 2030. This updated target, equivalent to mitigating 14.86 million tonnes of carbon emissions, reflects the country’s commitment to addressing climate change more aggressively. The revised national climate pledges, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), will be presented at the 30th United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, from November 10 to 21, 2025.
The new NDC, dubbed “NDC 3.0,” represents the third iteration of Rwanda’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Countries are required to update their NDCs every five years, with Rwanda having submitted its first intended NDC in 2015 and an updated version, NDC 2.0, in 2020. The current NDC 3.0 extends these commitments through 2035, emphasizing both mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Key Priorities for COP30
At COP30, Rwanda will focus on several key priorities, including climate finance, carbon markets, adaptation, and the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund. The government is seeking international support to meet its ambitious goals, with a total funding requirement of $12 billion for the implementation of NDC 3.0 by 2035. This includes $7 billion needed between 2025 and 2030, and $5 billion from 2030 to 2035. These funds will be used to reduce carbon emissions and build resilience against extreme weather events.
According to the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), Rwanda plans to use 7% of its own resources, while 46% will come from external financial or technical support. The remaining 47% will need to be sourced from domestic and international partners. This underscores the importance of partnerships and collaboration in achieving Rwanda’s climate targets.
Mitigation and Adaptation Measures
Rwanda’s mitigation efforts will focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and cleaner transport. The Industrial Processes and Product Use sector aims to cut emissions by substituting powerful greenhouse gases and improving industrial processes. The agriculture sector will implement better livestock management, soil practices, and manure management to reduce emissions. Meanwhile, the waste sector will prioritize improved waste treatment and converting waste into energy.
The forestry sector will emphasize sustainable management, afforestation, and agroforestry to enhance carbon sequestration and biodiversity. Adaptation measures include accelerating water management through land restoration, flood protection, and improved irrigation. These efforts will ensure universal, climate-resilient water and sanitation services with solar-powered treatment and flood-proofed infrastructure.
Promoting climate-resilient seeds, livestock, irrigation, soil conservation, and insurance will help build a sustainable agri-food system. Adaptation measures will also include hazard-informed land use, restoring forests, and expanding agroforestry to reduce floods and sustain ecosystems.
Strengthening Local Government Roles
Augustin Munyaneza, Director for Policy Analysis and Advocacy at the Local Government Authorities Association (RALGA), emphasized the need to empower local governments to contribute meaningfully to Rwanda’s national and global climate action. He noted that there is a need to provide space for stocktaking further inputs and the voice of Rwandan climate actors in the global climate agenda setting, especially ahead of COP30 in Brazil.
During consultations with local government stakeholders on Rwanda’s updated Climate Action Plan, Meembo Changula, Senior Professional Officer in charge of Urban Planning at the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), acknowledged the importance of working with Rwanda to advance climate action. He highlighted the role of local governments as key drivers of implementation.
Climate Finance and Global Partnerships
COP30 will serve as a platform for Rwanda to strengthen existing partnerships and create new ones to support its transition to a climate-resilient, low-carbon economy. The summit will push countries to strengthen their NDCs and accelerate progress towards the Paris Agreement targets. Discussions on climate finance, including the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), and the operationalization of mechanisms like the Loss and Damage Fund will be central to the conference.
Rwanda will use its platform at COP30 to diversify and deepen climate finance partnerships, aligned with its national strategies that guide efforts to mobilize innovative, inclusive, and long-term financing solutions. The country will also engage with networks to strategically connect with development partners and investors interested in partnering with Rwanda.
Showcasing the Ireme Invest and Intego portfolios is expected, with the aim of mobilizing additional financing from new partners. The country will also launch the Biodiversity Finance Initiative, which requires close to Rwf400 billion in finance to support nature-positive investment opportunities.
Future Goals and International Collaboration
According to Thadée Twagirimana, Acting Director General for Environment and Climate Change at the Ministry of Environment, Rwanda’s priorities at COP will include climate finance, carbon markets, adaptation and mitigation, and the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund. Rwanda advocates for a post-2025 global finance target to mobilize at least $1.3 trillion per year in climate finance for developing countries by 2035, with a clear roadmap for delivering $300 billion annually, approved at COP29.
Through these efforts, Rwanda aims to play a pivotal role in shaping the global climate agenda and ensuring that its needs and priorities are reflected in international decisions. The country’s commitment to climate action not only supports its national goals but also contributes to the broader global effort to combat climate change.
