The initiative, officially introduced at a three‑day workshop in Kigali, will be implemented by the Rwanda Water Resources Board and financed through a $9 million grant from the African Development Fund, the Bank’s concessional financing window.
The project will use ecosystem‑based solutions to address recurrent flooding, soil erosion and land degradation in high‑risk watersheds, ultimately improving safety, livelihoods and climate resilience for vulnerable communities.
Speaking on behalf of AfDB Country Manager Aissa Toure Sarr, Rwanda Country Programme Officer Vivian Chinyolo said the investment is designed to deliver sustainable, long‑term protection for affected communities.
“Climate‑related disasters continue to pose serious risks to communities in the western region. Through this investment, the Bank is supporting sustainable, nature‑based solutions that not only reduce flood risks but also strengthen livelihoods, enhance environmental protection and create local employment opportunities,” she said.
The project will restore degraded catchments, stabilise riverbanks, rehabilitate steep slopes and promote reforestation and sustainable land management. These activities are expected to benefit around 620 000 people living in areas prone to floods and landslides. Additional components include watershed rehabilitation, tree planting and environmental monitoring, which are expected to generate green jobs and build local technical capacity.
Communities will also benefit from improved climate information services, early warning systems and strengthened local disaster preparedness planning. Gender equality and youth employment will be prioritised throughout implementation.
Richard Nyirishema, Executive Chairperson of the Rwanda Water Resources Board, said the project marks a significant step forward for national climate resilience. “By prioritising nature‑based solutions, we are strengthening resilience across high‑risk catchment areas while protecting critical infrastructure, agricultural livelihoods and the long‑term sustainability of our water resources,” he said.
The initiative supports Rwanda’s national climate resilience agenda and aligns with the AfDB Climate Change and Green Growth Strategy. The three‑day launch workshop, held from February 18 to 20, 2026, covered procurement, financial management and environmental and social safeguards to ensure transparent and efficient project delivery.
–AfDB/ChannelAfrica–
