The agreement was signed through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) and will support interventions in Gakenke, Burera, Musanze, Nyabihu, Rubavu, Rutsiro, Ngororero and Muhanga districts, benefiting more than 2.3 million people living in areas exposed to climate-related risks, including floods, landslides and soil erosion.
The project will finance activities such as flood risk reduction infrastructure, watershed restoration, landscape rehabilitation, biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihood programmes for communities in the region.
The VCRP is coordinated by the Ministry of Environment and implemented in partnership with the Rwanda Water Resources Board, Rwanda Meteorology Agency, Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Communities living around Volcanoes National Park and surrounding areas have for years faced challenges linked to floods, landslides and land degradation, which have affected livelihoods, agricultural production and infrastructure.
The €65 million financing adds to broader efforts under the Volcanoes Community Resilience Project, which was launched in 2023 with support from development partners, including the World Bank.
The wider initiative, valued at more than $300 million, aims to reduce climate-related risks, restore degraded landscapes, improve disaster preparedness and strengthen livelihoods in communities surrounding Volcanoes National Park.
The project includes efforts to improve watershed management, restore degraded landscapes and strengthen communities’ ability to cope with climate impacts.
Among the planned interventions are forest restoration, tree planting, sustainable agriculture support and measures to reduce risks from flooding and soil erosion.
The project also supports the conservation of the Volcanoes ecosystem, including efforts linked to the protection and sustainable management of the national park and surrounding landscapes.
The agreement was signed through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN).Rwanda and EIB have signed a €65 million financing agreement to strengthen climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and livelihoods under the Volcanoes Community Resilience Project.
The country is building a carbon market system that allows verified climate projects to generate carbon credits, which can then be sold to organisations seeking to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
Each carbon credit represents one tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent that has been reduced, avoided or removed from the atmosphere through an approved activity.
For Rwanda, carbon markets are part of a broader strategy to support its ambition of becoming a climate-resilient and carbon-neutral economy by 2050.
The country is exploring these markets as a way to attract climate finance, support green growth and fund projects in areas such as clean energy, forestry, sustainable agriculture, waste management and clean cooking technologies.
Although Rwanda contributes a relatively small share of global greenhouse gas emissions, it faces significant climate-related challenges, including risks linked to floods, droughts, land degradation and changing weather patterns.
The government considers climate finance an important requirement for implementing mitigation and adaptation measures under its climate commitments.
Carbon markets operate through different mechanisms. They include the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) established under the Kyoto Protocol, voluntary carbon markets and mechanisms created under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
Article 6 allows countries to cooperate in achieving climate targets through approaches that include transferring emission reductions between countries. However, such transactions require strong systems to verify reductions and prevent the same emission reduction from being counted more than once.
Carbon markets allow high-emitting companies and countries to offset part of their emissions by buying verified carbon credits from projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gases.
Carbon market framework and international partnerships
Rwanda established a major foundation for its carbon market ambitions in December 2023 when it launched its National Carbon Market Framework on the sidelines of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai.
Developed through the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), the framework establishes rules for generating, approving, monitoring and trading carbon credits. It aims to enhance transparency, safeguard environmental integrity and strengthen Rwanda’s participation in global carbon markets.
The framework also lays the foundation for Rwanda’s engagement in Article 6 mechanisms under the Paris Agreement by setting procedures for project authorisation, emission reduction verification and carbon accounting.
At its launch, Rwanda said the initiative would support the transition to a low-carbon economy by attracting investment in clean technologies and sustainable solutions while ensuring locally generated carbon credits meet international standards.
However, establishing the framework was only the first step. Rwanda has since focused on strengthening the systems, skills and project pipeline needed to make the carbon market operational.
On March 27, 2025, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the Government of Rwanda, through REMA, launched a project aimed at improving Rwanda’s readiness to participate meaningfully and equitably in international carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
The two-year project, supported through GGGI’s Carbon Transaction Facility with a budget of $854,859, focuses on operationalising Rwanda’s National Carbon Market Framework.
The initiative addresses challenges including limited awareness among public and private sector actors about Article 6 opportunities, capacity gaps among stakeholders and the need to develop a stronger pipeline of high-quality mitigation projects.
Under the project, GGGI and REMA are supporting capacity building, strengthening governance systems, developing guidelines and supporting the identification of carbon projects in key sectors, including agriculture, forestry, energy, transport and waste management.
The initiative is also intended to improve engagement between project developers, government institutions and potential international buyers.
Rwanda has also entered into several international partnerships to support its carbon market participation.
In December 2023, Rwanda signed cooperation agreements with Singapore and Kuwait to advance collaboration under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
In September 2024, the Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA), REMA, Gold Standard and Singapore-based investment company GenZero signed an agreement to develop a pipeline of Article 6-compliant carbon credit projects.
The partnership focuses on identifying projects capable of generating high-integrity carbon credits while providing additional benefits such as biodiversity protection, improved livelihoods and job creation.
In January 2026, Rwanda and Singapore launched a call for proposals for high-quality carbon credit projects under their bilateral implementation agreement, inviting developers to submit both technology-based and nature-based initiatives.
Improved cookstove projects are at the centre of Rwanda’s carbon market journey, helping households reduce reliance on firewood, cut emissions and improve indoor air quality while generating carbon credits for climate finance.
Projects, communities and the future of Rwanda’s carbon market
Rwanda’s carbon market activities have so far been largely driven by improved cookstove projects, which remain among the most developed climate initiatives in the country. These projects help households transition from traditional cooking methods that rely heavily on firewood to more efficient technologies.
Besides reducing greenhouse gas emissions, they contribute to lower indoor air pollution and reduced pressure on forests.
Improved cookstove projects accounted for about 87 percent of Certified Emission Reductions issued from Rwanda’s carbon market activities, according to national climate data. Lighting and solar projects accounted for much of the remaining share.
By December 2020, Rwanda had received more than 2.25 million carbon credits through Clean Development Mechanism and Voluntary Carbon Market activities.
The country is now expanding beyond clean cooking into other areas, including forestry restoration, agroforestry, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and water purification.
In June 2025, REMA announced that 19 projects were ready to participate in international carbon markets. The projects included 12 energy-efficient cookstove initiatives, three agroforestry and reforestation projects and four water purification projects.
Rwanda is also putting emphasis on ensuring that carbon finance benefits communities involved in climate projects.
New regulations require that at least 30 percent of revenues generated from land-based carbon projects directly benefit communities, landowners, farmers and other stakeholders whose land contributes to the projects.
The government expects carbon markets to become an additional source of climate finance. Rwanda estimates that selling 7.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in carbon credits could generate about $337 million, depending on market prices.
To support investors, GGGI and REMA have also developed practical guidance explaining carbon market opportunities, project requirements and approval processes.
Potential areas for investment include forestry projects, renewable energy installations, methane capture, energy efficiency initiatives, clean cooking solutions and sustainable agricultural practices.
Rwanda’s efforts come as African countries seek to increase their participation in global carbon markets. Kigali is scheduled to host the Carbon Markets Africa Summit in October 2026, bringing together governments, investors, project developers and climate finance institutions to discuss opportunities for scaling credible carbon markets on the continent.
As international buyers increasingly seek high-integrity credits, Rwanda is moving from establishing regulatory frameworks to developing projects that can attract investment and deliver tangible climate outcomes.
Through initiatives such as Green Gicumbi, Rwanda is restoring degraded forests and helping ecosystems recover their natural state. These reforestation efforts contribute to carbon removal, biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods while creating opportunities within the country’s emerging carbon market.
During the four-day period, the country exported 8,179 tonnes of produce and livestock products to international markets.
Coffee was the top foreign exchange earner, with 467 tonnes exported, generating more than Rwfw 4.5 billion. Tea ranked second, with 578 tonnes exported and earnings exceeding Rwf 2.4 billion.
Vegetable exports reached 737 tonnes, bringing in more than Rwf 1.5 billion. The produce was shipped to markets including the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, India, France, and several African countries.
Fruit exports totalled 370 tonnes, earning more than Rwf 373.9 million. Rwanda exported the fruit mainly to the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, France, and other African markets.
Flower exports amounted to 4 tonnes, generating more than Rwf 32 million from sales to the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
A range of other agricultural commodities generated Rwf 4.29 billion after 5,697 tonnes were exported to destinations including the United States, Bangladesh, and several African countries.
Livestock exports totalled 327 tonnes, earning more than Rwf 690.3 million, with African countries remaining the primary export market.
Rwanda generated more than Rwf 13.9 billion from agricultural exports between July 27 and July 31, 2026.
The individuals, who were transferred from prisons in Kinshasa to Beni in North Kivu Province, have spent more than a month awaiting their handover to AFC/M23.
The planned transfer is part of the implementation of a deal signed in Doha, Qatar, under which the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was designated to facilitate the exchange and transfer of prisoners of war held by both AFC/M23 and the Congolese government.
The ICRC was not involved in the movement of the AFC/M23 members from Kinshasa to Beni, but is expected to oversee their transfer from Beni to areas controlled by the alliance.
The DRC government has confirmed that the individuals were relocated to Beni, saying delays in transferring them to AFC/M23-controlled areas were due to health concerns.
Parts of North Kivu under government control have been affected by an outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a situation that has led AFC/M23 to strengthen security measures around the transfer process.
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is preparing to release 15 individuals linked to the AFC/M23 alliance, with the exception of those who have been sentenced to death.
The national carrier said the Kigali route will begin operations on November 18, 2026, as part of a broader expansion strategy aimed at strengthening connectivity across Africa.
The airline announced the Kigali route alongside new flights to Accra, Ghana, which will begin on October 27, 2026, with four weekly services.
Uganda Airlines said the two new destinations will expand its route network while providing passengers with more convenient options for business, tourism and trade. The routes are also expected to strengthen Entebbe International Airport’s position as a regional hub, offering onward connections to destinations across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
The Kigali route will link two of East Africa’s fastest-growing economies, supporting travel between key commercial and tourism centres in the region.
“The launch of Accra and Kigali marks another key milestone in Uganda Airlines’ growth strategy,” Uganda Airlines Acting Chief Executive Officer Ato Girma Wake said.
“As Africa’s connectivity continues to grow, these routes will strengthen commercial and tourism links while offering our guests greater convenience and more travel choices. We remain committed to connecting Africa and supporting regional integration through reliable and efficient air transport,” he added.
The entry into the Entebbe-Kigali route is expected to increase competition on one of East Africa’s frequently used regional air connections, where demand has grown due to expanding business, tourism and cross-border activities.
Beyond passenger travel, Uganda Airlines said the new routes will enhance its cargo network by improving access for exporters and importers to key markets in West and East Africa. The services are expected to support the movement of fresh produce, manufactured goods and other time-sensitive cargo.
The launch comes as Uganda Airlines continues efforts to expand its fleet and international reach. In June 2026, the carrier signed a $985 million agreement with US aircraft manufacturer Boeing for the acquisition of 10 new aircraft as part of its long-term growth strategy.
The agreement, signed in the presence of President Yoweri Museveni, includes plans for the delivery of Boeing 737-8 MAX and 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft from 2032.
Uganda Airlines, which was revived in 2018 after the collapse of the original national carrier in 2001, began commercial operations in August 2019. Since then, it has expanded its network to serve 16 destinations across Africa and beyond from its hub at Entebbe International Airport.
Girma Wake took over as acting Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Airlines in February 2026, as the carrier charts a new path and pursues growth opportunities.
The U.S. military has burned through nearly four-fifths of its THAAD missile inventory compared to pre-war numbers and roughly half of its Patriot interceptors since the start of the war, the report cited two sources familiar with the latest inventory report as saying.
The report noted that the stockpile issue was raised again prior to U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision last weekend to cancel new strikes on Iran.
The U.S. Army has also used “virtually all” of its highly accurate long-range, surface-to-air weapons during the conflict, the report said.
The latest report came as the Pentagon updated its military casualties in overseas operations Tuesday, which showed four U.S. service members have been killed and 270 have been injured since July 7, the start date of a new round of hostilities with Iran as defined by the White House.
Previously released data showed that 14 U.S. service members were killed and 417 were injured during “Operation Epic Fury,” the joint U.S. and Israeli military campaign against Iran that started on Feb. 28.
With the latest update, total U.S. military injuries in the war against Iran have reached 687.
In the August 27, 2025 photo, an Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is displayed in Unterluess, Germany.
Held under the theme “Digital Communication for Cultural Harmony and Environmental Well-being,” the congress is examining how communication can be used to strengthen relationships, address global challenges and support positive social transformation. In a message delivered on behalf of Pope Leo XIV by Rwanda’s Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Arnaldo S. Catalan, the Pope emphasised that digital communication goes beyond sharing information, saying it also shapes culture and influences how people understand the world.
The message, signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, referenced the Pope’s Encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, noting that online platforms have the power to influence collective consciousness.
Archbishop Antoine Kambanda, Archbishop of Kigali and President of the Episcopal Conference of Rwanda, called on media professionals to use communication as a tool for healing, reconciliation and promoting solidarity.
Reflecting on Rwanda’s history, particularly the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Cardinal Kambanda warned about the consequences of the misuse of media, which was used to spread hatred and contribute to violence.
He urged participants to use the congress as an opportunity to reflect on the challenges created by harmful communication practices and explore ways of ensuring media serves peace and unity.
Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, highlighted the importance of human connections in an increasingly digital world, saying communication should begin with people rather than technology.
SIGNIS President Helen Osman called for stronger networks among communicators to promote Christian solidarity and unity, while SIGNIS Africa President Fr. Walter Ihejirika urged Catholic media organisations to work together to build credible platforms that serve both the Church and society.
The congress, which runs until August 8, is bringing together Catholic communicators to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships and discuss the future of communication across cultures and regions.
Archbishop Arnaldo S. Catalan delivered Pope Leo XIV’s message calling for digital communication that contributes to cultural harmony and human connection.Archbishop Antoine Kambanda urged communicators attending SIGNIS World Congress 2026 to promote peace, solidarity and reconciliation through responsible media use.Paolo Ruffini called on communicators to remember that communication begins with people, not technology, as SIGNIS World Congress 2026 opened in Kigali.The SIGNIS World Congress 2026 brought together Catholic communicators in Kigali to reflect on the future of media and its role in building harmonious societies.SIGNIS World Congress 2026 opened in Kigali with a call for media professionals to use communication as a tool for unity, reconciliation and social healing.
The hosts secured a convincing 3-1 win over South Sudan’s Jamus SC at Kigali Pele Stadium, while three-time champions Gor Mahia edged Sudan’s Al Hilal SC 8-7 on penalties after the two teams played to a 1-1 draw.
The victory keeps Rayon Sports’ hopes of lifting the regional title on home soil alive as they head into Friday’s final at Amahoro Stadium.
Francis Haringingo’s side continued their impressive run in the tournament, making it four wins from four matches.
Rayon Sports took control of the second semi-final early, with Akbar Muderi opening the scoring in the 17th minute after capitalising on a defensive lapse.
The victory keeps Rayon Sports’ hopes of lifting the regional title on home soil alive as they head into Friday’s final at Amahoro Stadium.
Jamus SC responded with spells of possession but struggled to break through Rayon’s disciplined backline, while goalkeeper Dande Junior produced a crucial save before halftime to preserve the lead.
The Blues doubled their advantage in the 59th minute when 19-year-old Ibrahim Mansouru Djingarey finished calmly to send the home supporters into celebration.
Jamus pulled one back through substitute Diallo Bandiougou in the 70th minute after taking advantage of a defensive mistake, briefly reviving their hopes.
However, substitute Gloire Ngongo Tambwe put the result beyond doubt with two minutes remaining, slotting home Rayon’s third goal to seal a deserved 3-1 victory.
Speaking after the match, Rayon Sports head coach Francis Haringingo said his team is now focused on going all the way.
“I am happy that we have won all our four matches played in the tournament and this also gives us good preparations ahead of the new season,” he said.
“After reaching the final, our objective is to win the trophy.”
Head coach Francis Haringingo (right) and fitness coach Serge Mwambali (left) celebrate the victory with applause.
Earlier in the day, Gor Mahia overcame a resilient Al Hilal side in a dramatic first semi-final.
Steven Ebuela’s own goal handed the Kenyan champions the lead in the 34th minute before Ansumana Samura equalised for Al Hilal 10 minutes later.
Neither side could find a winner during regulation or extra time despite Gor Mahia playing with 10 men after Ebenezer Ocran was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Gor Mahia overcame a resilient Al Hilal side in a dramatic first semi-final.
The Kenyan side eventually prevailed 8-7 in the penalty shootout to book their place in the final.
Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor praised his players for overcoming one of the tournament favourites.
“I thank the players for playing their hearts out and winning against a strong Al Hilal team,” he said.
Friday’s final at Amahoro Stadium promises a thrilling contest between two of East Africa’s biggest clubs, with the winners set to walk away with the tournament’s top prize of $30,000 (about Rwf 44 million). The runners-up will receive $20,000 (Rwf 29 million), while the third-placed team will earn $10,000 (Rwf 15 million).
Rayon Sports players celebrate their triumph over Jamus SC in the CECAFA Kagame Cup semi-final. Rayon Sports fans went wild after their team booked a place in the CECAFA Kagame Cup finale.
He made the remarks on August 4, 2026, during a meeting with members of Rwanda’s creative industry, including artists and investors, where they discussed the sector’s role in contributing to national development.
The meeting came amid a government campaign against illicit alcoholic drinks, which has resulted in the closure of more than 130 factories producing unsafe beverages.
Dr. Nsanzimana urged people to take responsibility for their health by avoiding substances that harm the body, including drugs and unsafe alcohol.
He stressed that the human body does not come with replaceable parts. “The body I was born with is the one I will grow old with. We will not find replacements for the parts we have,” he said.
He added that what people consume directly affects their health, explaining that a person’s physical condition reflects the choices they make about what they put into their body.
“If you put good things into your body, it will show. But if you put harmful things into it, the damage will also become visible,” he said.
Musician Jean Paul Hagenimana, popularly known as Bushali, shared his personal journey of recovering from drug addiction, revealing that his substance abuse once landed him in prison.
Looking back, he said the experience became a turning point rather than a setback.
He explained that his time in prison gave him the opportunity to reflect on his life and his responsibilities to his country.
After his release, Bushali said he was encouraged by the progress Rwanda had made, particularly the development of infrastructure that has created more opportunities for artists to perform and grow their careers. He said this motivated him to contribute positively to the country’s development.
He also expressed concern about the growing number of young people becoming involved in drug abuse and other harmful behaviours.
“As young people, we should focus on positive actions, support one another, and grow alongside our country’s development,” he said.
Disc jockey Grace Divine Iradukunda, better known as DJ Ira, said artists do not need drugs to fuel their creativity, warning that substance abuse can instead undermine talent and personal values.
She encouraged young people to support friends struggling with addiction instead of being influenced by them.
“We should be the ones encouraging our friends to quit drugs, not allowing them to persuade us to use them,” she said.
Rwanda has intensified its campaign against illicit alcohol following a series of deadly incidents linked to toxic drinks.
In the past seven months alone, contaminated alcohol has claimed more than 50 lives, while over 100 people have lost their sight after consuming it.
The emir stressed the need to adopt diplomatic means to address contentious issues and implement the terms reached under the U.S.-Iran peace memorandum of understanding, according to the statement.
He also reaffirmed Qatar’s support for international initiatives aimed at containing tensions and consolidating regional peace and security, it added.
Earlier in the day, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry reaffirmed that mediation efforts between the United States and Iran remain underway, saying draft proposals for a possible agreement continue to be exchanged between the two sides.
President Donald Trump has held talks with the Emir of Qatar
