Rwanda MPs take centre stage on climate finance

Rwanda’s Parliament hosted a high-level national workshop on 31 July 2025 aimed at empowering lawmakers to take a leading role in climate finance and renewable energy transition. Organised as part of the Parliamentarians for Climate Finance project by Climate Parliament and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), with support from the Green Climate Fund, the event took place in the Parliament Plenary Hall in Kigali. 

The workshop brought together members of both Chambers of Parliament and representatives from various national and international institutions. In attendance were top political figures including, Rt. Hon. Musa Fazil Harelimana, Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Mr. Thadee Twagirimana, representing Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye, the new Minister of Environment, highlighting the country’s commitment to advancing climate leadership at the highest levels. 

The event was officially opened by Hon Solina Nyirahabimana, Vice President of the Senate, in charge of Legislation and Oversight of Government Activities. In her opening remarks, she highlighted the government’s efforts in combating climate change and protecting the environment through initiatives such as promoting electric mobility, use of clean cooking technologies, adoption of renewable energy, and reforestation. Hon Nyirahabimana noted that 8% of the national budget for the fiscal year 2025/2026 had been allocated to climate change adaptation and mitigation measures across multiple sectors 

‘Our partnership with UNIDO and Climate Parliament reflects Rwanda’s unwavering commitment to climate resilience. Together, we are strengthening climate finance governance. A sustainable future demands collective action and Parliament is ready. Rwanda is not starting from zero and we have trusted partners like UNIDO and Climate Parliament we are advancing climate solutions that work, and Parliament is ready to scale up investment in them.” Rt. Hon. Solina Nyirahabimana, Senate Vice President 

The workshop was the inaugural meeting of the Rwanda Climate Parliament Network (RCPN), a platform for cross-party legislative action on climate change.  

Key issues discussed 

Participants engaged in discussions that focused on: 

• Mobilising investment for climate change adaptation and mitigation 

• Promoting renewable energy 

• Reforestation and forest conservation 

• Preventing environmental degradation 

• Advancing the carbon market 

• Public awareness on environmental protection 

• Awareness campaigns on the use and accessibility of clean energy solutions 

Rwanda has made significant strides in its energy transformation journey. As part of Vision 2050 and the National Strategy for Transformation, the country aims to achieve universal access to electricity with a strong emphasis on clean, renewable sources. Parliamentarians will play a key role in aligning laws, budgets, and oversight functions with Rwanda’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. 

“The Government of Rwanda recognises that strong legislative leadership is essential to achieving our climate goals. Parliamentarians are central to creating the enabling environment needed to unlock finance, ensure policy coherence, and accelerate the clean energy transition,” said Senator Dr Laetitia Nyinawamwiza, the Chair of the Parliamentary Steering Committee. 

Jitu Soni, Director, East and Southern Africa at Climate Parliament, added: “This workshop is a critical step in supporting legislators to drive ambitious climate action. The launch of the Rwanda Climate Parliament Network shows Rwanda’s growing momentum as a regional leader in green finance and renewable energy policy.” 

Recommendations 

Participants recognised Rwanda’s progress in addressing climate change and protecting the environment but noted areas that still require attention. As a result, they committed to: 

1. Enacting and updating laws related to climate change and environmental protection and ensuring their effective enforcement. 

2. Oversight of the implementation of Rwanda’s second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2 2024–2029), especially on climate action and environmental targets. 

3. Monitoring how climate-related initiatives are integrated into national planning, how budget is allocated and used for these priorities. 

4. Enhancing collaboration with stakeholders including civil society, international organisations, and development partners such as UNIDO, Climate Parliament, and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). 

5. Engaging communities to raise awareness on clean energy use and environmental protection. 

The launch of the RCPN signals a long-term commitment to cross-party cooperation, oversight and innovation. By bringing together political leadership and technical expertise, Rwanda is setting an example in the region for how parliaments can lead on climate action.