Rwanda is seeking to mobilise investment and strengthen international partnerships to unlock a $335 million investment pipeline aimed at scaling up climate-smart agriculture and building resilient food systems.
ALSO READ: Kagame stresses need for investment in smart agriculture
The initiative was discussed during a high-level dialogue convened by the Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA) on the sidelines of the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31), where global partners met to explore ways of financing and expanding proven agricultural solutions.
The $335 million pipeline is expected to support efforts to scale up solutions that help farmers adapt to climate change, strengthen agricultural productivity and improve the resilience of food systems.
The dialogue also provided an opportunity for Rwanda to engage international partners on potential investment opportunities and partnerships needed to move existing initiatives from pilot projects to wider implementation.
Climate-smart agriculture involves farming approaches that increase productivity, strengthen resilience to climate change and, where possible, reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Rwanda has been promoting climate-resilient agriculture as part of its broader efforts to address climate change while ensuring food security and improving farmers&039; livelihoods.
ALSO READ: Ireme Invest secures over $42 million to support green projects
"Agriculture feeds every home in our country and sustains the livelihoods of most rural families. How we invest in the sector over this decade will determine whether our development gains endure or are washed away by the next storm,” said Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva.
He noted that the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA5) set targets for 2029, including raising the productivity of priority food crops by more than half, growing the sector by over six per cent annually, and doubling agricultural exports and private investment.
"Agriculture already contributes about one-fifth of our output; our task is to make it more productive, commercial and resilient. Our focus is on building productive, climate-resilient agricultural systems, linking farmers to markets, and investing in the infrastructure, technologies and value chains that underpin them,” Nsengiyumva noted.
ALSO READ: Rwanda launches over $100m green investment facility
He said grants are essential for preparing projects and reaching the most vulnerable while concessional resources can absorb early risks and demonstrate viability; and development banks can lend at scale.
"As risks decline and returns become clearer, domestic banks, agribusinesses and cooperatives, alongside international investors, must step forward as full partners.”
At COP31, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources Telesphore Ndabamenye, joined fellow members of the Alliance of Champions for Food Systems Transformation for a high-level dialogue on accelerating food systems transformation.
He highlighted Rwanda’s integrated approach through PSTA5 , the Rwanda Food Innovation Ecosystem Strategy, and the Climate Smart Agriculture Investment Plan, which identifies approximately $335.4 million in potential private sector investment opportunities.
He stressed the importance of mobilising accessible climate finance, strengthening public private partnerships, scaling innovation and ensuring that farmers, women and young people benefit from food systems transformation.
Ndabamenye called for collective action to turn commitments into tangible investments, stronger resilience, improved nutrition, increased productivity and dignified jobs.