Rwanda is no stranger to the mounting effects of climate change. From erratic rainfall disrupting agriculture to deforestation, soil erosion, and urban flooding, the country’s natural resource-dependent communities are increasingly vulnerable. In response, the Government of Rwanda established the Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA)—a national financing vehicle to catalyse green investments and drive sustainable development.
Teddy Mpinganzima Mugabo, the Fund’s Chief Executive Officer since 2020, is leading this transformation. Under her leadership, the Fund has become a key enabler of Rwanda’s green transition, mobilising significant climate finance and scaling high-impact projects nationwide.
A strategic vision for climate resilience
Mugabo’s leadership has coincided with a critical period in Rwanda’s development trajectory. As the country advances toward its Vision 2050 and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the Green Fund is pivotal in financing Rwanda’s ambition to become a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy.
Since 2020, the Fund has mobilised over $300 million in climate finance from bilateral and multilateral partners. These funds have powered initiatives across renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, water resource management, and green urbanisation, strengthening Rwanda’s ability to address environmental and economic challenges.
Flagship projects driving impact
One of the Fund’s most notable programmes under Mugabo’s leadership is the Green Gicumbi Project in Rwanda’s Northern Province. Valued at $32 million, this climate adaptation initiative integrates climate-resilient housing, rainwater harvesting, solar energy, and sustainable land use, offering a replicable model for community-based adaptation.
In Kigali, the Wetlands Restoration Project is another hallmark of the Fund’s work. By rehabilitating degraded wetlands, the project has reduced urban flood risks, improved biodiversity, and created employment through eco-restoration activities.
In rural areas, FONERWA has expanded access to clean energy by investing in off-grid solar systems and mini-grids, reducing dependency on firewood and charcoal while improving household energy security.
Across the board, these projects have translated into thousands of green jobs, enhanced community resilience, and improved access to sustainable infrastructure.
From Technical Expert to Transformational Leader
Before becoming CEO, Mugabo served in various capacities within the Fund, including Head of Business Development (now Chief Strategy Officer), Climate Change Sector Specialist, and District Capacity Building Facilitator. Her background in strategy design, environmental policy, and capacity building laid a strong foundation for her executive leadership.
Today, she brings a results-driven, systems-oriented approach to her role, emphasising operational efficiency, project accountability, and international partnerships. Her leadership has helped boost donor confidence and position Rwanda as a regional trailblazer in climate finance.
“By 2030, Rwanda aims to secure $6.2 billion to fund climate and biodiversity initiatives across the country,” Mugabo stated during COP29 in Azerbaijan.
The road ahead
As climate threats intensify globally, Teddy Mugabo and the Rwanda Green Fund are proving that strategic investment in green infrastructure, local capacity, and community resilience can drive transformative change. With every project, the Fund is not just building infrastructure—it’s building hope, opportunity, and a sustainable future for future generations.
