AfDB Grants Rwanda $9.4 Million to Strengthen Disaster Prevention Efforts

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has announced a $9.4 million (approximately Rwf 13.6 billion) grant to support Rwanda’s environmental disaster prevention initiatives in the Karongi and Rusizi districts.

According to the Bank, the funding will back Rwanda’s efforts to curb disasters through eco-friendly interventions such as tree planting, terracing hillsides, and restoring degraded riverbanks.

Under the project, 10,000 hectares of land are expected to be reforested, with vegetation planted along rivers and rehabilitated slopes to mitigate erosion and landslides. “By using nature as the first line of defense, we are helping Rwandans tackle climate change, create jobs, preserve biodiversity, and build a sustainable future,” said Lazarus Phiri, a water and sanitation expert who leads the project.

The initiative will also include training for over 6,000 people on disaster prevention techniques. In addition, 120 technical and vocational students will gain hands-on experience in climate resilience and environmental management.

Authorities expect the project to significantly reduce risks such as soil erosion, landslides, and flooding that have in the past damaged vital infrastructure, including roads, schools, and water facilities.

An estimated 1.2 million residents in Karongi and Rusizi are set to benefit directly from the program. Among them, more than 620,000 people are expected to experience reduced vulnerability to floods and related natural hazards.

The AfDB reaffirmed its commitment to helping Rwanda and other African nations strengthen climate resilience through nature-based solutions, community engagement, and sustainable land management.