Rwanda’s Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva highlighted his country's experience in promoting resource-efficient industrial production as a way to combine economic growth with environmental protection.
He made the remarks during a high-level discussion on green industrialisation at the COP31 climate conference held in Antalya, Türkiye, on November 11.
The programme has helped Rwandan industries and small and medium-sized enterprises generate $6.5 million in net savings from an investment of approximately $5 million, The New Times reported on November 12.
According to figures published by the National Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA), the initiative has also reduced energy consumption by more than 41 million megajoules and cut annual carbon dioxide emissions by over 30,000 tonnes. Its reported results include more than 22,300 tonnes of solid waste reductions and approximately 153,000 cubic metres of water savings annually.
Nsengiyumva said the results demonstrate that cleaner production can improve industrial productivity while reducing pressure on natural resources. He argued that green industrialisation could help Rwanda attract investment, expand manufacturing and create jobs.
The prime minister identified renewable energy, clean cooking, electric mobility, sustainable agriculture, recycling and environmentally friendly cooling technologies as sectors offering investment opportunities.
He also highlighted the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which aims to phase down hydrofluorocarbons used in cooling systems. Its full implementation could prevent up to 0.5°C of global warming by 2100.
Nsengiyumva called on development partners and financial institutions to support green industrial projects through concessional loans, guarantees, blended finance and other mechanisms to reduce investment risks.
