Government of Rwanda in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB), has launched a $9 million project aimed at tackling climate change challenges in Rwanda’s Western Province.
The project began on February 18, 2026. It will implement nature-based solutions to decrease flooding and soil erosion, and landslides in the regions that experience these issues most severely, particularly in Rusizi and Karongi districts.
The project will fix broken water systems secure riverbanks through tree planting and restore damaged territories which face high risk of danger.
Western Rwanda has experienced multiple disasters throughout recent years which resulted in fatalities and damages to homes and infrastructure and economic downturns in local communities.
The initiative will generate employment opportunities for youth while it advances gender equality through environmental restoration activities that include river rehabilitation and reforestation.
“Climate change disasters keep damaging Western Rwandan communities through their severe impacts. The AfDB uses this project to fund sustainable natural solutions which help reduce flood risks while creating job opportunities and protecting the environment, and improving local community welfare.” Aissa Sarr Toure Country Manager for Rwanda, African Development Bank Group
Richard Nyirishema RWB Director General said "the project works to achieve our national goal of protecting high-risk communities from climate disasters. We will use nature-based solutions as our main strategy to protect essential infrastructure and agricultural areas together with livestock and all water resources in high-risk regions. This approach combines environmental protection with the improvement of community health."
The project will be implemented through the Rwanda Water Board (RWB), in partnership with local district authorities, with the beneficiaries being the local communities.