Key policies and governance approach

GoR's ongoing efforts to combat pollution include the adoption of laws and regulations. Rwanda has established a legal and regulatory framework for waste and water management, and has committed to several MEAs related to pollution.

The 2016 Air Quality Law sets out the framework for regulating and preventing air pollution in Rwanda, and mandates REMA to regulate air quality. In April 2021, a transport policy was ratified and the Cabinet approved an electric mobility strategy which contains tax incentives for electric mobility inputs, lower electricity tariffs and other incentives.

In waste management, the country has made great strides through several well-known waste-related interventions including, but not limited to, its renowned policy on banning plastic bags and National Cleanup Day.

Successes and Remaining Challenges

Despite government efforts in air pollution prevention through the establishment of laws and policies, increased industrial activity and urban growth in Rwanda continues to result in high levels of outdoor air pollution [1]. Urbanization levels that are not matched with the development of infrastructure, such as paved roads, result in the country failing to reduce outdoor pollution in towns and cities [1][8].

In addition, high dependency on fossil fuels for cooking, heating, and lighting across the country also exacerbate high incidences of indoor air pollution and cases of acute respiratory illnesses. As the country invests in off-grid solar energy, available solutions are only good for lighting while fossil fuels remain a much-needed energy source for cooking and heating [9]. As a result, indoor air pollution in Rwanda is slightly abated [9].

Efforts in the waste management sector are underpinned by Rwanda’s Plastic Ban in 2008. One of the main reasons for this ban was to reduce plastic waste and promote a cleaner country, due to mismanagement, disposal and impacts of plastics. However, the Plastic Ban is not without its drawbacks. Rwanda's ban on single-use plastic food packaging creates challenges for importers, manufacturers, traders and consumers. At the regional level, some of Rwanda's neighbors are either lax in enforcing the Plastic Ban, or do not see the need for it. Therefore, the smuggling of plastic across the Rwandan border remains a problem despite border controls.

Initiatives and Development Plans

REMA has set up an air quality monitoring instrument system that provides data on air quality across the country. The data is accessible on the “Rwanda AQI” application, allowing users to compare ground observation data with satellite data. Other government responses on pollution have included initiatives in the energy and transportation sectors. In the transport sector, the Government has recently focused on green cities, sustainable services and electric mobility. In 2018, the first electric motorcycles and cars were introduced to the Rwandan market through electric mobility initiatives.

Following the installation of smart bins in Kigali in 2020 [7], the Ministry of Environment, City of Kigali, Ministry of Infrastructure and the Global Green Growth Institute have launched the “Waste to Resources” project in the City of Kigali. The project aims to valorize organic and plastic waste; increase collection of electronic waste; and increase community awareness, build capacity, and improve the policy and regulatory environment for circular economy initiatives in the waste sector. The project will be implemented over three years and aims to mobilize 20M EUR in green investments to modernize and integrate sustainable waste management practices in Rwanda [10].

Goals and Ambitions

The GoR is committed to preserving air and water quality, combating pollution and taking important initiatives to identify sources of pollution. In addition, water quality and improved sanitation are essential elements in the promotion of public health and the Rwandan Government is committed to ensuring universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation by 2024.