This webinar is the third virtual dialogue that gather the Rwandan and Italian entrepreneurs, investors and institutions for exploring the green investment opportunities in Rwanda. The webinar was prepared by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in collaboration with Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (REMA) and in partnership with the Italian Ministry for Environment, Land and Sea (IMELS).

All webinars were organized in the framework of a 5 years signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2016 between Italian Ministry of Environment, Land and Seas and the Rwandan Ministry of Environment to coordinate efforts to combat global climate change and address its adverse effects, and to support mechanisms in order to reduce climate change vulnerability and to stimulate this transition towards a such sustainable low carbon economy.

The purpose of this virtual business to business meetings is to explore and promote Rwanda’s potential investment climate, promote green technology transfer and create business platforms and matchmaking between Italian and Rwandan private companies in the most relevant areas of intervention.

The companies participated in the webinar, mostly are working in the areas of renewable energy, packaging, plastic recycle, Recycling building waste and asphalt , agribusiness, tourism, waste management, etc. in fact, it was a great moment of exchanging the experience between the investors and entrepreneurs.

In his opening remarks, the Deputy Director General of Rwanda Environment Management Authority, Mr Faustin Munyazikwiye appreciated the engagement of all participants in exploring the green investment opportunities in Rwanda and welcomed them on behalf of Government of Rwanda.

In May 2020, Rwanda submitted to the UNFCCC the enhanced climate actions known as National Determined Contribution, and the private sector has a significant role in its implementation as the main drive of the national economy.  In the bid of facilitating this, Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) and Private Sector Federation (PSF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which was officiated yesterday to strengthen the cooperation between PSF members and REMA as the government Agency in charge of environment protection and climate changes.

He explained that Rwanda has created the favorable conditions to attract green foreign investment and support local industries and SMEs. This is crucial to foster the sustainable development and open the path for international investors.

"On behalf of the Government of Rwanda, I appreciated the support from Italian Government for the achievement so far, and a call for joint dialogues on the way forward as this MoU will due to end next year" said Mr Faustin Munyazikwiye, Deputy Director General of Rwanda Environment Management Authority.

Speaking at this virtual meeting, His Excellency Ambassador Massimiliano Mazzanti, appreciated Rwanda as one of the first countries to adopt green growth policies and strategies. Rwanda was also the first country in Africa to ban biodegradable plastic bags, not only did it, but they were successful in this, the reforestation is another important area where Rwanda distinguish itself in Africa.

I strongly believe that the country which has this kind of approach to the green growth can ensure the perfect environment for Italian companies to jump in, because Rwanda has a lot of opportunities for green investment; basically the need is expertise and technology, and it is what Italy can offer with its innovative drive,” he mentioned.

The main relevant areas of interventions where there is green investment opportunities mentioned by different presenters includes: renewable energy, waste management, climate compatible mining, green packaging, e-mobility, modern agriculture and clean cooking, to mention few.