Cabinet has approved draft laws aimed at strengthening environmental protection, climate action and green investment in Rwanda. The draft laws on Environment and Climate Change and Rwanda Green Fund were approved during a Cabinet meeting held on Friday, September 18. ALSO READ: Govt seeks $7bn to close climate finance gap by 2035 The proposed Law on Environment and Climate Change seeks “to strengthen the protection of people and nature while supporting sustainable development and building resilience to climate change.” According to the Office of the Prime Minister, the draft law proposes stronger rules on pollution and waste management. It also introduces clearer environmental safeguards for gas extraction and other mining activities, with the aim of protecting community health and reducing environmental damage associated with such activities. ALSO READ: Nearly 1,000 abandoned mines set for restoration by 2030 The proposed legislation also provides for rules governing climate finance, including the establishment of a national carbon market. The carbon market is expected to enable environment- and climate-positive actions to contribute to economic growth, according to the Cabinet insights. The draft law on the Rwanda Green Fund, meanwhile, seeks to expand the mandate of the fund to support green investment, sustainable finance and businesses aligned with climate objectives. ALSO READ: How could Rwanda unlock more green financing? Under the proposed law, the fund would be able to use a wider range of financing instruments and provide advisory services to support Rwanda's green economy agenda. The proposed law would also establish a dedicated investment arm within the fund to structure and mobilise private capital for green and climate-aligned investments. The move is intended to increase access to financing for green investments across the country by bringing more private capital into climate and environmentally sustainable projects. The draft laws will be subject to the next stages of the legislative process before they can take effect.
