Ten years ago, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the Government of Rwanda signed the Host Country Agreement, laying the foundation for a partnership that would turn Rwanda’s green growth and climate resilience ambitions into action. Over the past decade, GGGI has partnered with Rwanda to strengthen the policy, institutional, and investment frameworks needed to advance a green economy. The organization says it has helped mobilize more than $52 million in green investment and supported the development of 18 green-growth policies. As GGGI marks 10 years of partnership, this inter-governmental organization is poised to scale proven solutions, unlock additional climate finance, and catalyze the creation of green jobs that support resilient and inclusive economic development. GGGI’s 10th anniversary was held in Kigali on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, bringing together senior government officials, development partners and private-sector representatives to reflect on achievements and the next phase of collaboration. Speaking at the event, Armand Zingiro, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA), said the partnership demonstrated the importance of collaboration in advancing sustainable development. “Sustainable development is built on collaboration, shared vision, and collective action. The relationship between Rwanda and GGGI over the past decade reflects exactly these principles,” Zingiro said. He said GGGI’s close engagement with government institutions had enabled it to tailor support to national priorities. “By working closely with government institutions and remaining flexible to evolving priorities, GGGI has been able to provide tailored support that responds directly to Rwanda's needs, priorities, and ambitions,” he said. Caroline Raes, GGGI’s Africa Deputy Regional Director for Quality of Delivery and Country Representative for Rwanda, said the anniversary offered an opportunity to assess the partnership’s impact. “Tonight is more than an anniversary. It is an opportunity to reflect on a decade of collaboration, innovation, and shared ambition,” Caroline said. “Together, we have delivered on green growth policies, mobilized climate finance, strengthened institutional capacity, empowered entrepreneurs, fostered green jobs, and developed innovative solutions that contribute to Rwanda's vision for a green and climate-resilient future.” She said the achievements resulted from the collective efforts of institutions, partners and communities. “These achievements are not GGGI’s alone. They belong to every institution, partner, and individual represented in this room,” she said. Scaling solutions and investment GGGI said its next phase will focus on scaling proven solutions, mobilizing innovative and sustainable finance and creating opportunities for young people in just and inclusive energy transitions, sustainable waste management and circular economy, sustainable landscapes and agrifood systems, green cities and infrastructure and other climate-related sectors while ensuring that no one is left behind. Dr. Mallé Fofana, GGGI’s Deputy Executive Director and Head of the Directorate for Green Growth Implementation, said the next decade would require faster action and stronger collaboration. “The next decade will demand even greater ambition, stronger collaboration, and faster action,” he said. “GGGI remains committed to walking this journey with Rwanda, supporting the country's development priorities and climate ambitions while helping create opportunities for inclusive and sustainable prosperity.” Among the flagship initiatives supported by GGGI is the Waste to Resources project, spearheaded by the Rwanda Ministry of Environment, and funded by the Ministry of Environment, Biodiversity, and Climate (MECB) of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The project has already created 67 green jobs and is expected to reduce carbon emissions by more than 15,000 tonnes annually. Plans for a 400-tonne mechanical biological treatment plant could further cut emissions by about 64,000 tonnes a year while creating more than 300 additional jobs. Green transition as economic opportunity Zingiro said the transition to a green economy would require continued investment, innovation and stronger partnerships as climate change puts pressure on infrastructure, agriculture, energy, water and urban development. “Responding effectively to these challenges will require continued innovation, greater investment, stronger partnerships, and sustained commitment from all stakeholders,” he said. He said the transition also presented significant economic opportunities. “The transition to a green economy is not merely an environmental necessity. It is also an economic opportunity. It offers the potential for job creation, innovation, increased competitiveness, improved quality of life, and long-term resilience,” Zingiro said. Caroline said GGGI would continue working with Rwanda through ambitious annual work plans. “The good news is that we continue to renew our vows every year, usually in the form of a new and very ambitious work plan,” she said. Green growth champions recognized The anniversary also recognized institutions and partners for their contributions to Rwanda’s green-growth agenda. The Ministry of Infrastructure, Ministry of Environment and Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) received Green Growth Leadership Awards for the decade of visionary partnership with GGGI in anchoring and advancing Rwanda’s green growth journey, while the Rwanda Green Fund, The Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Rwanda and the Embassy of the Republic of South Korea received Green Growth Catalyst Awards, recognizing partnerships that have helped unlock investment and accelerate action. Under the Green Growth Innovative Partnership Award, GGGI recognized the Government of Canada, for supporting the AI-powered IWACU GESI Monitoring Platform, which helps integrate and track gender-responsive climate action under Rwanda’s NDC 3.0 and other climate initiatives and the Government of Italy, for the longstanding and versatile partnership in supporting Rwanda’s sustainable development. Skol Brewery Ltd received the First Mover Sustainability award for its commitment to reducing environmental impacts, advancing more sustainable packaging through Virunga Water, introduced as Rwanda’s first locally produced water in returnable glass bottles. Norrsken was also recognized for its commitment to adopt green building and creating a workspace that brings sustainability, innovation and entrepreneurship together while Spruik Agency received an award for helping bring Rwanda’s sustainability story to wider audiences.
