- On the sidelines of the recently concluded World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) in the Rwandan capital Kigali, The National Circular Economy Action Plan in Rwanda was launched.
- Rwanda already recovers used plastics through recycling plants such as the one in Mageragere, in the Nyarugenge district, where plastic waste is upcycled for building paving stones.
On the sidelines of the recently concluded World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) in the Rwandan capital Kigali, The National Circular Economy Action Plan in Rwanda was launched. This plan will be implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) over 14 years with an investment of 211 million dollars. Rwanda’s national circular economy action plan will cover the waste, water, agriculture, textile, transport, construction and information and communication technology (ICT) sectors. The Rwandan authorities believe this new strategy will enable the country to place a circular economy by 2035 and carbon neutrality by 2050.
Rwanda already recovers used plastics through recycling plants such as the one in Mageragere, in the Nyarugenge district, where plastic waste is upcycled for building paving stones. In the capital Kigali, a project launched in March 2022 will allow the transformation of at least 70% of organic waste from the Nduba landfill into fertiliser. Rwanda’s new circular economy strategy will enable the government to strengthen its actions. Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, said, “The main focus will be to ensure that waste is collected separately and sorted into high-quality waste fractions which are essential prerequisites for a higher recovery rate in all waste streams”.
The Rwandan government will also invest in the development of sustainable agriculture. Beyond the valorisation of agricultural waste, the funds will be used to produce food based on regenerative and resource-saving principles, integrate closed loops into agricultural operations, and optimise transport and storage to reduce post-harvest losses. Rwanda is also focusing on building resilient and inclusive infrastructure. This includes; housing that will reduce water, electricity consumption and waste generation. In addition, these buildings will be connected to a wastewater and rainwater collection system.