Rwanda Urges Action and Equitable Finance at Africa Climate Summit

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Addressing the High-Level Leaders Summit at the 2nd Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye, underscored the urgent need for decisive action and fair climate finance to propel Africa’s sustainable and resilient development.

Speaking on behalf of President Paul Kagame, Minister Arakwiye conveyed greetings and expressed gratitude to Ethiopia for hosting the summit. She emphasized the summit as a pivotal opportunity for Africa to amplify its voice on climate change and advocate for sustainable solutions.

Minister Arakwiye highlighted that while Africa contributes less than 4% of global emissions, the continent disproportionately bears the brunt of climate change impacts, spending over 5% of its GDP to mitigate climate shocks, often leading to increased debt. She affirmed Rwanda’s commitment to climate resilience, with its draft NDC 3.0 aiming to align with the country’s Vision 2050 for a resilient and carbon-neutral economy.

Candidly addressing the challenges, Minister Arakwiye noted that ambition is constrained by limited resources, pointing out that the global climate finance system often shifts benchmarks and access requirements, hindering efforts to secure vital support. Despite these obstacles, Rwanda is forging ahead with programmatic frameworks and pioneering initiatives such as the Green Fund, Ireme Invest, and the Rwanda Green Taxonomy to mobilize capital.

Looking ahead to COP30 in Belém, Rwanda called for stronger international commitments and partnerships to bridge the finance gap, support adaptation efforts, and ensure equitable and accessible climate financing mechanisms. Minister Arakwiye emphasized the need for grants rather than loans to avoid exacerbating Africa’s debt. She stressed Africa’s potential as a solution provider, particularly in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and biodiversity.

In closing, Minister Arakwiye urged the recognition of financing Africa’s climate priorities as an investment in a shared future, rather than charity. She expressed Rwanda’s readiness to collaborate with partners while expecting seriousness in return, and hoped that the summit will be remembered as the turning point where Africa moved from words to action, matching ambition with resources.