AGP Executive Report

Carbon Markets in Kigali: The Carbon Markets Africa Summit (CMAS) released its 2026 programme, aiming to move Africa’s carbon trading from readiness to real transactions, with the event set for 13–15 October 2026 in Kigali. Drought-Proof Dairy in Nyagatare: 253 dairy farmers in Nyagatare signed Matching Grant agreements under RDDP II to build water storage and buy feed-processing equipment as recurrent drought threatens livestock. Green Finance Push: KCB Group says it disbursed Sh48.8bn in green loans across renewable energy, agriculture, clean transport and water management, with verified climate-eligible funding and increased green lending share. Ebola Preparedness Support: The UK announced funding to strengthen Rwanda’s National Ebola Preparedness and Contingency Plan, focusing on surveillance, infection prevention, WASH and community risk communication. Higher Education Drive: Rwanda’s higher education council says enrolment needs to triple in five years to reach global benchmarks, with outreach discussions on quality and relevance. Wildlife Conservation Update: Rwanda’s gorilla tourism limits viewing time to reduce stress and disease risk, reinforcing a welfare-first conservation model.

Rwanda Budget Boost: Rwanda’s 2026/27 national budget rises 12% to Rwf 7.796 trillion, with more money for agriculture, irrigation, infrastructure and development spending as the country manages geopolitical risks. IMF Support: The IMF approved a $250m Extended Credit Facility for Rwanda, with an immediate $35.7m disbursement, aimed at sustaining reforms, fiscal and debt risk management, and rebuilding buffers. Green Finance Push: KCB says it disbursed about Sh48.8bn in green loans and screened Sh587.9bn for environmental and social risk across East Africa, including Rwanda, helping it exceed its green-lending target. Ebola Preparedness: The UK pledged up to £800,000 for Rwanda’s Ebola preparedness plan, focusing on surveillance, infection prevention and control, WASH at high-risk points, and community risk communication. Wildlife Monitoring Tech: Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is using environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect species with less disturbance, supporting biodiversity protection as climate and population pressures grow. Carbon Markets in Kigali: A major carbon markets summit is set for Kigali in October 2026, positioning Rwanda as a hub for moving projects from planning to real transactions.

IMF Support for Rwanda: The IMF approved a new $250m programme for Rwanda, with $35.7m disbursed immediately, to back reforms, manage fiscal and debt risks, and build buffers amid external shocks. Biodiversity Monitoring in Volcanoes NP: Rwanda is rolling out environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect species like endangered golden monkeys with less disturbance, strengthening conservation as climate and population pressures grow. Nuclear Cooperation: Rwanda and Russia signed a nuclear energy deal covering nuclear medicine and broader healthcare cooperation, with Rwanda aiming for nuclear power operational by the early 2030s. Carbon Markets in Kigali: The Carbon Markets Africa Summit 2026 programme was launched, with the event set for Oct 13–15 in Kigali, positioning Rwanda as a hub for carbon trading readiness and transactions. Heat Risk and “Cooling Poverty”: New analysis warns over 2 billion people face life-threatening heat without safe, affordable cooling, as hotter spells intensify globally. Agriculture Boost in Gatsibo: Improved fodder cultivation under Rwanda’s dairy project is lifting milk yields and incomes for farmers in Gatsibo. Wildlife Disease Debate: A new look at Ebola origins highlights that links to bats remain inconclusive, arguing against fear-driven wildlife culls. Ozone Protection Effort: Rwanda’s region-wide push to better inspect refrigeration and air-conditioning gases is gaining advanced detection tools to improve compliance with ozone rules.

Biodiversity Tech in Rwanda: Scientists and the African Wildlife Foundation are rolling out environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring in Volcanoes National Park to track endangered golden monkeys and other species with less disturbance, helping build a national species list to better protect wildlife as climate and population pressures rise. Rwanda’s Climate Finance Push: Rwanda will host the Carbon Markets Africa Summit (13–15 Oct 2026 in Kigali), aiming to move African carbon projects from planning into real transactions, with UNDP and AfDB backing the event. IMF Support for Rwanda’s Economy: The IMF approved a new $250m financing programme for Rwanda, including an immediate $35.7m disbursement, to sustain reforms and rebuild policy buffers amid global shocks. Ozone Protection Upgrade: Rwanda’s environment ministry says it has strengthened inspections of refrigeration and air-conditioning gases using advanced UNIDO-supported detection tools, improving control of ozone-damaging substances at borders. Wildlife Conservation Funding: A new study on the DREAMS programme reports income and savings gains for refugee communities in East Africa, highlighting resilience to economic and climate shocks.

Ebola Preparedness: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu approved a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats and released ₦10bn for emergency intervention, including intensified airport screening and support for the NCDC as Ebola resurges in DRC and Uganda. Conflict Minerals & DRC-Rwanda Links: A Global Witness investigation says smuggled conflict coltan from DRC mines tied to M23 violence is reaching Rwanda and then global supply chains, with major brands “likely” sourcing tainted minerals despite due diligence gaps. Climate Negotiations Access: UN climate talks in Bonn (SB64) face criticism over visa delays and shrinking civic space, raising fears that developing-country voices are being locked out as countries push for implementation after COP30. Rwanda Economy & Shocks: Rwanda secured IMF approval for a $250m package (38-month ECF) despite strong growth, citing external pressures like Middle East-linked oil and fertilizer price spikes. Plastic Pollution Warning: A report urges Rwanda-relevant lessons from Ghana’s plastic-bag hot-food ban debate, highlighting health risks from heating non-food-grade polythene. Regional Trade & Integration: Singapore will negotiate an FTA with the East African Community, including Rwanda, aiming to boost market access and digital-economy growth. Wildlife & Health: A gorilla-focused conservation update highlights efforts to protect primates while preparing for Ebola risks in the region.

Ebola Preparedness Push: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu approved a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats and released N10 billion to strengthen the National Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, with enhanced airport and border screening as Ebola resurges in the DRC and Uganda. Regional Trade Links: Singapore will negotiate a Free Trade Agreement with the East African Community, including Rwanda, aiming to diversify trade routes and boost market access and digital-economy growth. Rwanda’s IMF Financing: Rwanda secured IMF approval for a $250m package (38-month Extended Credit Facility), with disbursement tied to navigating higher energy and fertiliser costs amid global shocks. Plastic Safety Warning: A report urges people to stop using plastic bags for hot food, warning that heat can drive chemical migration into meals. Water & Nature Resilience: A nature-based approach is highlighted for tackling flood and erosion pressures in the Ruzizi Basin, including Bukavu, as cities restore forests to protect water and reduce disaster risk. EV Expansion in Rwanda: Spiro secured $215m to scale electric mobility and battery-swapping infrastructure across African markets including Rwanda. Chikungunya Vaccine Drive: Institut Pasteur launched ACT-CHIK, a €15.3m project to advance chikungunya vaccine trials and prepare regional manufacturing in Africa.

Ebola Lessons for Congo’s Next Response: Survivors in Beni, eastern Congo, recall how skepticism, attacks on health workers and community mistrust worsened the 2018–2020 Ebola outbreak—now a new Bundibugyo-virus outbreak has 515 confirmed cases and 91 deaths, with fears that past mistakes could repeat. HIV Prevention Integration Warning: Experts say moving HIV prevention into mainstream systems risks weakening access if public services become underfunded or stigmatizing, as Rwanda and other countries debate how to keep targeted approaches. Forever-Chemical Rain Linked to Ozone Replacements: A new study finds “forever chemical” pollution is rising: CFC replacement chemicals and some anesthetics are depositing about 335,500 tonnes of trifluoroacetic acid on Earth from 2000–2022, with more expected for decades. Rwanda Critical Minerals Trade Deal: Aterian’s Eastinco signed a long-term supply agreement with a Rwanda-based 3T (tin, tantalum, tungsten) producer, aiming to boost responsible, traceable sourcing for Rwanda’s critical-minerals supply chain. Water Security Push: First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa urged stronger African cooperation and infrastructure investment to tackle chronic water insecurity, tying it to Agenda 2063 goals for sustainable water and safe sanitation. Rwanda Drone Monitoring Research: A Fulbright Scholar project will assess building a sensor network to monitor the African Great Lakes, highlighting gaps in continuous environmental monitoring that affect fisheries, biodiversity and water resources. Electric Mobility Investment in Rwanda: Spiro secured $215m equity to expand electric vehicles and battery-swapping across African markets including Rwanda, supporting cleaner transport and local jobs.

Lake Victoria monitoring push: Fulbright Scholar Anthony Vodacek is returning to Africa to help design a sustainable sensor network to monitor the African Great Lakes, aiming to close long-standing gaps in continuous environmental data that affect fisheries, biodiversity, water resources, transport and agriculture. Chikungunya vaccine drive: Institut Pasteur launched ACT-CHIK, a €15.3m, four-year EU-funded project to advance a measles-virus-based chikungunya vaccine through large Phase Ib/III trials in four African countries and prepare technology transfer to an African manufacturer. Ebola response pressure: WHO-linked reporting warns the current Central Africa Ebola outbreak may be spreading faster than the response, with spillovers into Uganda and rising concern across neighbours amid war, displacement and weak health systems. Forest pressure from household energy: A new study says charcoal and fuelwood remain dominant across several countries including Rwanda, but unsustainable harvesting and weak regulation are accelerating forest loss and health risks, with urban demand driving extraction from surrounding landscapes. Rwanda skills and jobs focus: Rwanda’s Prime Minister says wage growth should follow productivity gains, not just minimum-wage debates, as the country targets a more competitive, skilled workforce. World Environment Day in Rwanda: NCBA Rwanda engaged Excella High School students with tree-planting and environmental education, tying the effort to a wider push to grow millions of trees by 2030.

Climate Policy & Emissions: Rwanda says it has cut 1.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, as the government pushes deeper climate action alongside economic plans. Jobs & Skills for Sustainability: Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva argues Rwanda should focus less on minimum wage debates and more on boosting worker productivity to drive better-paying, long-term jobs. Energy Security & Pollution: Rwanda’s traffic officers are inspecting vehicle air pollution in Rwamagana, with mitigation linked to cleaner energy, efficiency, climate-smart farming and waste management. Charcoal Pressure on Forests: A new study warns that charcoal and firewood—still the dominant cooking fuel—are accelerating forest loss and health risks, with Kigali’s demand tied to extraction from surrounding rural areas. World Environment Day (Rwanda): NCBA Rwanda marked World Environment Day by training Excella High School students and supporting tree-planting, aiming to grow sustainability champions. Wildlife & Health Threats: A park famed for rare gorillas is preparing to fight Ebola while protecting primates, highlighting how disease outbreaks can collide with conservation. Ebola Watch (DRC): WHO reports the Central Africa Ebola outbreak may be spreading faster than response efforts, with spillovers into neighbouring countries. Rwanda in Finance: The Rwanda Stock Exchange launched Islamic capital market listing and trading rules, opening doors for Shariah-compliant investment products.

Ebola Watch (DRC): WHO says the latest Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo is spreading faster than the response, with spillovers into Uganda and uncertainty over case counts due to conflict and weak surveillance. Forest & Energy Pressure (Rwanda): A new study warns that charcoal and fuelwood—still the main cooking energy across Rwanda and other countries—are driving unsustainable harvesting and forest loss, with growing urban demand pushing extraction into fragile landscapes. World Environment Day (Rwanda): NCBA Rwanda marked World Environment Day by training and mobilising over 100 Excella High School students for tree-planting and climate action, tied to a goal of planting 10,000 trees annually. Weather & Climate Data (Rwanda): Rwanda launched its first upper-air weather station in Huye, a step meant to improve climate and weather monitoring. Wildlife Protection (DRC): A park known for rare gorillas is preparing to fight Ebola while protecting primates, as health risks collide with security constraints. Regional Tourism (Lake Victoria): UNDP is working to unlock tourism potential across the Lake Victoria Basin, linking lake ecosystems with broader investment and visitor growth. EAC Tourism Push (Afcon 2027): The East African Community urged partner states to use Afcon 2027 to boost cross-border tourism packages and showcase the region as one destination.

Climate & health risk: A new study warns more than 2 billion people face “cooling poverty,” with hotter spells turning deadly where homes, healthcare, and cooling options are missing. Ebola & wildlife protection: In DRC’s Virunga National Park, Ebola and armed conflict are straining resources, but rangers are building screening posts and even protecting mountain gorillas from the virus. Ebola preparedness in the region: The U.S. is tightening airport screening for travelers from Ebola-affected African countries, with CDC-led checks at Washington Dulles. Lake ecosystem & jobs: UNDP is pushing a tourism and investment push for Tanzania’s Lake Victoria Basin, linking visitor growth with fisheries, agriculture, livestock, and ecosystem safeguarding. Rwanda tech for health: Rwanda’s medical drone delivery network is highlighted for cutting “last-mile” supply times to minutes, improving access to blood, vaccines, and emergency medicines. Policy & environment: Rwanda’s drone and health progress sits alongside broader calls for stronger climate finance and greener infrastructure planning across Africa. Governance & youth: A conference on adolescent SRHR says institutions are failing young people, urging faster action and better financing.

Lake Victoria Tourism Push: UNDP is working with Tanzania’s Natural Resources and Tourism ministry to turn the Lake Victoria Basin into a tourism and investment hub, linking the lake region to the northern safari circuit while aiming to create jobs (especially for women and youth) and protect the lake’s ecosystem. Rwanda Health Tech: Rwanda’s drone delivery model is highlighted as a national medical service that cuts “last-mile” delivery times for blood, vaccines, medicines and emergency supplies to minutes—supporting faster care in remote areas. Ebola and Wildlife Protection: A park known for rare gorillas is preparing to fight Ebola while protecting primates, including building screening posts and using ranger efforts to reduce transmission risks. Rwanda Capital Markets: The Rwanda Stock Exchange becomes the first in East/Central/Southern Africa to set dedicated Islamic listing and trading rules, opening doors for Sukuk, Islamic funds and Shariah-compliant REITs. Climate Vulnerability: A new analysis warns over 2 billion people face “cooling poverty,” where heat waves become deadly due to weak housing, limited cooling access, and poor protective infrastructure. Regional Trade & Logistics: Kenya and Uganda railways reaffirm Northern Corridor cooperation to improve freight reliability and reduce transit delays that affect cold-chain goods moving toward Rwanda and other landlocked markets.

Climate Policy Update: Rwanda unveiled NDC 3.0, targeting a 53% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 (up from 38% by 2030), with REMA saying the plan needs about $12bn in financing between 2025 and 2035. Health Tech & Environment: Rwanda continues to lead in medical drone delivery, cutting “last-mile” supply times to minutes and improving access to blood, vaccines, medicines and emergency supplies for remote communities. Biodiversity & Research: A Fulbright Scholar project will assess how to build a sustainable sensor network to monitor the African Great Lakes, aiming to close long-standing gaps in continuous environmental data. Sustainable Infrastructure: Rwanda’s first upper-air weather station was launched in Huye, strengthening climate and weather monitoring for better preparedness. Green Finance & Markets: The Rwanda Stock Exchange introduced Islamic listing and trading rules for Shariah-compliant products like sukuk and REITs, aiming to attract new regional and Gulf capital. Regional Tourism Push: The EAC urged partner states to make Afcon 2027 a tourism growth catalyst, promoting cross-border packages that showcase East Africa beyond football. Youth & Environment Values: Rwanda’s Democratic Green Party marked the Genocide against the Tutsi at Rebero Memorial, urging young people to learn from leaders who resisted divisionism.

Rwanda Climate Policy: Rwanda has unveiled NDC 3.0, pledging a 53% greenhouse-gas cut by 2035 (up from 38% by 2030), with REMA saying the plan targets 14.86 million tonnes of CO2e reductions and needs about $12bn financing for 2025–2035. Rwanda Environment Tech: Rwanda launched its first upper-air weather station in Huye, boosting climate and weather monitoring capacity. Rwanda Health Delivery: Rwanda’s drone medical delivery model—built with Zipline since 2016—continues to speed up “last-mile” transport of blood, vaccines, medicines and emergency supplies to remote facilities. Rwanda Digital Transformation: Huawei is doubling down on AI-powered digital transformation after years of supporting Rwanda’s connectivity and ICT growth, with a Kigali conference focused on building the infrastructure banks need for AI. Regional Tourism Push: The EAC is urging partner states to make Afcon 2027 a tourism and integration catalyst, including cross-border packages for visitors. Islamic Finance Rules: The Rwanda Stock Exchange became the first in the region to set dedicated listing and trading rules for Islamic capital market products like sukuk and Shariah-compliant REITs.

Climate Policy: Rwanda has unveiled NDC 3.0, targeting a 53% greenhouse-gas cut by 2035 (up from 38% by 2030), with REMA saying it needs about $12bn in financing to deliver the plan. Weather Monitoring: Rwanda launched its first upper-air weather station in Huye, boosting capacity to track atmospheric conditions that affect climate and forecasting. Digital & AI: Huawei and local partners held a Kigali conference on using AI and cloud to modernize banking and wider business systems. Wildlife & Health Risk: In eastern DRC, the Lwiro primates rehabilitation center has gone into lockdown as Ebola threatens great apes and humans, with plans to limit spread across the Greater Virunga landscape shared with Rwanda and Uganda. Clean Transport Investment: Spiro secured $215m equity to expand electric mobility and battery-swapping across Africa, including Rwanda, aiming to cut transport costs and reduce fuel dependence. Tourism & Conservation: A new ultra-luxury Rwanda tourism circuit partnership pledges ESG-led development across iconic sites, linking high-end travel with biodiversity and community support.

Climate Policy: Rwanda unveiled NDC 3.0 with a new target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 53% by 2035 (up from 38% by 2030), aiming to reduce about 14.86 million tonnes of CO₂e and calling for roughly $12bn in financing through 2035. Weather Infrastructure: Rwanda launched its first upper-air weather station in Huye, boosting national capacity to track atmospheric conditions that affect forecasting and climate resilience. Ebola Response in the Region: In eastern DRC, an Ebola outbreak continues to strain households and services, with reports highlighting how caregiving and fear of confirmation keep people away from hospitals; meanwhile, WHO figures show the outbreak is still accelerating. Wildlife & Disease Risk: The Lwiro Primates Rehabilitation Center in South Kivu placed primates under confinement to reduce Ebola spread risk in the Greater Virunga Landscape shared by DRC, Rwanda and Uganda. Clean Mobility Investment: Spiro secured $215m in equity to expand electric motorcycles and battery-swapping across multiple African markets, including Rwanda, with plans to grow infrastructure and local manufacturing. Tourism & Conservation: A new Rwanda ultra-luxury tourism circuit partnership promises regenerative and ESG-led development, including renewable energy, water conservation and biodiversity protection around key destinations.