Rwanda is stepping up efforts to turn climate ambition into real investment, as over 150 global leaders gather in Kigali for the UK–Rwanda Climate Partnership Conference aimed at unlocking green finance and scaling climate innovation in Africa, according to officials. The two-day event, runs from March 24 to 25 at the Rubirizi Campus and convened by the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chain (ACES), brings together stakeholders from government, finance, industry, academia, and development agencies. It is held under the theme: “Catalysing Green Investment in Africa: The UK–Rwanda Climate Partnership.” Participants are exploring how climate ambition can be transformed into investment-ready systems that attract long-term capital. Discussions focus on how regulatory frameworks, technical capacity, standards, infrastructure, and finance can work together to unlock scalable investment in sustainable cooling, resilient cold-chain systems, agriculture, health supply chains, and green industries. “There is a need to translate climate ambition into practical, investable systems that deliver for people, economies, and the planet,” said Bernadette Arakwiye, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, while officially opening the conference. The conference also highlights ACES’s role as a continental platform for climate innovation, workforce development, and market creation. Experts note that many climate solutions struggle to attract investment due to gaps in regulatory certainty, technical expertise, and certification systems—gaps the conference aims to address. “Guided by Vision 2050 and our Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy, Rwanda has demonstrated that economic transformation and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand,” Arakwiye said. “Through strong institutions such as the Rwanda Green Fund and REMA, we are advancing a green development pathway grounded in innovation, accountability, and partnership.” ACES positioned as a driver of Africa’s green transition Prof. Toby Peters, Founding Director of ACES, reiterated the need for sustainable infrastructure, innovation, and climate partnerships across the continent. “With support from both Rwanda and the United Kingdom, ACES is positioning itself as a transformative force in Africa’s green transition,” he said. Peters noted that ACES is backed by joint support from the governments of Rwanda and the United Kingdom and is designed as an integrated delivery platform for scalable green investment. “I hope we can further develop the strategic importance of the UK–Rwanda Climate Partnership in advancing green investment, innovation, and sustainable infrastructure across Africa,” he said. “I hope this conference will provide a platform to demonstrate how the UK–Rwanda partnership is advancing Africa’s green transition, and how ACES can serve as a continental hub for innovation, market development, and investment mobilisation.” UK–Rwanda partnership to unlock green finance Billy Stewart, Development Director at the British High Commission in Kigali, emphasised the need to mobilise sufficient green investment. “Across East Africa, countries are facing a shared challenge: how to attract and channel enough green investment to power growth, create jobs, and help communities adapt to a climate that is already changing rapidly,” he said. “This is a region full of ideas, energy, and innovative businesses ready to step up if the right finance and partnerships are in place. Our challenge is to make those opportunities a reality.” “For the United Kingdom, supporting that kind of transition is not just smart policy; it is a core part of our global commitment to climate leadership.” He noted that this commitment is being delivered through strategic partnerships with Rwanda. “We are proud to be working closely with Rwanda on climate priorities. It is an ambitious, homegrown vision for unlocking the investment needed to deliver Rwanda’s climate and development goals,” he said. Stewart highlighted coordinated frameworks such as the Rwanda Country Platform for Climate and Development, supported by institutions like the Rwanda Green Fund and the World Resources Institute. “We have to turn climate commitment into investment. The UK–Rwanda Climate Partnership is focused on unlocking finance for Rwanda’s transition and resilience. We want to bring in private capital alongside public funding to deliver real outcomes for people, for nature, and for the economy,” he said. “Rwanda has already mobilised many millions towards its climate goals, but it now needs to bring in much more,” he added, stating that strengthening institutions and developing investment-ready projects will be key. He also underscored ACES’s role as a regional hub for innovation and practical climate solutions and reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to long-term collaboration. “We are proud to be working with Rwanda on its ambition to build a greener and more resilient future. As momentum builds, partnerships like this are helping to ensure that climate action and economic growth go hand in hand across East Africa,” he said. Bridging gaps to turn ambition into investment Hongepeng Lei, Chief of the Mitigation Branch, Climate Action Division at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), said ACES is already translating innovation into real-world solutions. “Ambition is already being translated into concrete investment opportunities. Rwanda’s sustainability-driven economic model is positioning the country as a leading destination for green investment,” he said. “Climate ambition requires partnerships across government, industry, academia, and development institutions,” he added, underscoring the need for credible data, strong governance, bankable project pipelines, and stable policy environments. “Mobilising finance and partnerships will support resilient, inclusive, and low-carbon development here in Rwanda and throughout the region.” Call to diversify climate financing sources Dalie Marie Dukuze, Programme Design Manager at Rwanda Green Fund, emphasised the need to diversify funding sources. “Countries should not rely only on slow, limited grants. Instead, they should tap into equity, loans, and private sector capital. Building the capacity to mobilise different types of finance quickly is essential,” she said. Juliet Kabera, Director General of Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), said skills and awareness, including understanding funding requirements, must be continuously improved. Juliet Ingabire, Chief Risk Officer at Rwanda Development Board (RDB), said funding exists, but access remains slow and complex. “Financial instruments like green bonds are promising but require heavy compliance. There is a need to speed up funding processes and improve market readiness. Delays mean opportunities are missed while problems evolve.”
