Building partnerships to advance green growth in Rwanda

On the 6th of May, a significant partnership agreement was signed between LuxDev and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in Rwanda. This collaboration is part of the implementation of the Sustainable forestry and efficient renewable energy for improved livelihood (SFERE) project. 

The agreement aims to enhance access to affordable and diversified financing to promote sustainable forestry practices and accelerate the clean cooking transition in Rwanda. The total amount of the agreement is EUR 1 million and the duration of implementation is set for 30 months, from May 2025 to October 2027. 

The partnership between LuxDev and GGGI is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable development and green growth in Rwanda.

The GGGI opened its European liaison office in Luxembourg in 2023, further strengthening the ties between the two organisations. Additionally, on the same day as the signing of the partnership agreement, Luxembourg officially became a member of the GGGI, highlighting the country's commitment to global green growth initiatives.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between LuxDev and GGGI outlines the framework for cooperation and collaboration between the two organisations. The MoU emphasises the importance of promoting sustainable development in developing and emerging countries through joint initiatives that align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Climate Agreement.

The primary objective of the delegated action is to enhance access to affordable and diversified financing to promote sustainable forestry practices and accelerate the clean cooking transition in Rwanda. Two key results are expected from this action:

• assess, design, and support piloting of a payment for ecosystem services scheme: this result aims to develop and pilot a payment for ecosystem services scheme under the SFERE project, which will provide financial incentives for the conservation and sustainable management of ecosystems;
• design and establish a suitable blended finance instrument: this result focuses on creating a blended finance instrument to scale up the production and distribution of clean cooking solutions, thereby reducing reliance on traditional biomass fuels and improving air quality.

The partnership agreement between LuxDev and GGGI marks an important milestone in advancing green growth and sustainable development in Rwanda. It reflects a shared commitment to international cooperation in tackling global challenges and supporting national efforts toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

As GGGI’s Country Representative for Rwanda, Caroline RAES, noted, discussions began in 2023 when LuxDev Rwanda was still a one-person team. Just two years later, with a staff of over 40 and a growing presence, LuxDev is now well-positioned to partner with innovative stakeholders like GGGI, reflecting not only its organisational growth but also its increasing role in advancing impactful, forward-looking development initiatives.

The Sustainable forestry and efficient renewable energy for improved livelihood (SFERE) project is funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.