Rwanda and the European Union (EU) have signed a €40 million (more than Rwf67 billion) financing agreement to accelerate agricultural transformation, with a focus on boosting productivity, expanding climate-smart farming and strengthening the sector’s resilience to climate change.
Signed in Kigali on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, the five-year “Hangaribihe” programme will support Rwanda’s efforts to build a modern, inclusive and sustainable agriculture sector. The agreement was signed by Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa and EU Ambassador to Rwanda Belén Calvo Uyarra.
Under the deal, €36 million (more than Rwf60.8 billion) will be provided through the national budget to support agriculture and environmental programmes, while €4 million (more than Rwf6.8 billion) will finance technical assistance, capacity building for farmers and public officials, and research initiatives.
The funding will contribute to the implementation of Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation 2 (NST2), the Fifth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA-5), and national environmental protection programmes.
Key areas of focus will include increasing investment in agriculture, expanding irrigation infrastructure, promoting sustainable land management and strengthening farmers’ ability to cope with climate-related challenges.
The programme will also support the restoration of degraded ecosystems and improve systems for collecting and sharing climate-related data to guide evidence-based decisions.
Minister Murangwa said the agreement represents an important step in reshaping Rwanda’s agriculture sector into one that is more productive, resilient and inclusive.
He said the partnership will benefit smallholder farmers, cooperatives, women, youth and small and medium enterprises by promoting modern farming practices, climate resilience and environmental conservation.
EU Ambassador to Rwanda Belén Calvo Uyarra said the programme reflects the continued partnership between the EU and Rwanda and will help translate the country’s climate-smart agriculture ambitions into practical solutions for farmers and rural communities.
“This programme builds on previous achievements and will help deliver tangible results for farmers, rural communities and future generations,” she said.
Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources Dr Telesphore Ndabamenye, who will oversee implementation of the programme, said the funding will be directed towards increasing agricultural investment, expanding irrigation, improving land management and protecting natural resources.
The agreement further strengthens cooperation between Rwanda and the EU in promoting sustainable development, enhancing climate resilience and supporting national priorities aimed at improving livelihoods through agriculture.
