Under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, Chairman of FPR-Inkotanyi, Rwanda has demonstrated unwavering commitment over the past decades to combating climate change and its underlying causes.
The government of Rwanda has placed environmental and climate change at the forefront of our national policies and plans. What kind of world are we building, and what legacy will Rwanda leave for our children? Our leadership has a bold and ambitious answer rooted in the vision to achieve a climate-resilient and carbon-neutral economy by the mid-century.
President Kagame’s government has not shied away from taking decisive action. One of the earliest initiatives aimed at securing a green, clean future for future generations was the ban on plastic bags, starting in 2008—an action that garnered global attention. This move faced significant challenges, as plastic had become deeply ingrained in daily life, from shopping to food transport and beyond. However, through effective communication and timely interventions, the leadership successfully rallied public support. Innovative solutions to replace plastics soon became commonplace, leading to cleaner public spaces and improved environmental quality.
These efforts have been complemented by communal actions like the monthly Umuganda, where Rwandans gather to clean public spaces, dispose of waste responsibly, and most importantly, plant trees. Local initiatives, such as the creation of Nyandungu Eco-Park, further enhance our quality of life.
Moreover, Rwanda is advancing broader environmentally sound policies, notably encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly electric and hybrid vehicles, including electric buses for public transportation. Tax incentives for electric vehicles have spurred their adoption, contributing to cleaner air and reduced carbon emissions.
Internationally, Rwanda has emerged as a pivotal player in the global push for a carbon-free world. In 2020, Rwanda was the first country to submit a comprehensive climate action plan, committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 38% by 2030—an ambitious goal equivalent to eliminating up to 4.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. At the 26th UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Rwanda reiterated its commitment to becoming a climate-resilient, carbon-neutral economy by 2050.
These actions exemplify Rwanda’s dedication to a sustainable future, not only for our nation but also for the planet. With FPR-Inkotanyi’s problem-solving ethos, Rwanda continues to find solutions to challenges, paving the way for a greener, more resilient world.
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