Rwanda’s Cabinet has approved the establishment of a national biodiversity conservation agency and endorsed a strategic investment in medicinal crop cultivation, highlighting the government’s continued focus on environmental conservation, digital transformation and economic growth.
The decisions were reached during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame at Village Urugwiro on July 24.
Among the key resolutions was the creation of the Rwanda Nature Foundation (RNF), a new public institution mandated to protect biodiversity, conserve wildlife and ensure the sustainable management of Rwanda’s protected areas and natural ecosystems.
Cabinet also approved an agreement between the Government of Rwanda and InipasvalleyRw Ltd for the development of a medicinal crops project aimed at supporting the country’s pharmaceutical and health sectors while expanding agricultural value chains.
The meeting further endorsed a series of initiatives intended to accelerate Rwanda’s transition to a knowledge-based, technology-driven economy. These include the establishment of the Rwanda Institute of Computing (RIC), the gradual migration of telecommunications infrastructure from 2G and 3G to 4G and 5G networks, and the expansion of digital financial services through the eKash electronic payment platform.
Cabinet also approved the National Food Innovation Strategy, which seeks to strengthen innovation in the agri-food sector by improving the regulatory framework, attracting investment, creating jobs and enhancing food security and nutrition.
Ministers adopted a draft law to ratify a financing agreement between Rwanda and the International Development Association (IDA), aimed at expanding access to finance for businesses and strengthening their resilience.
Other approvals included regulations governing explosives and related materials, an agreement with Kazakhstan’s JSC National Mining Company Tau-Ken Samruk to establish a joint venture for mineral exploration and mining in Rwanda, and amendments to the implementation agreement between the Energy Utility Corporation Limited (EUCL) and Nyirahindwe HPP for the development of the Nyirahindwe I Hydropower Plant in Nyamasheke District.
Cabinet also approved the accreditation of Jirusaya Birananda as Thailand’s ambassador to Rwanda, resident in Nairobi, Marie Goreth Nzigama as the new UN Women Representative in Rwanda, and Anton Buttigieg as Rwanda’s honorary consul to Malta.
Ministers were further informed that Rwanda will celebrate National Harvest Day (Umuganura) on August 7, host the 26th Council of Ministers meeting of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) from August 31 to September 5, and stage the African Conference on Edible Oils and Fats from September 1 to 4, marking the conference’s 20th anniversary.
