Rwanda has earned nearly $1.5 million through the carbon market, according to the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), with 29 projects currently registered under the country’s carbon market framework.
REMA Deputy Director General Faustin Munyazikwiye said one carbon credit represents one tonne of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions reduced or removed, adding that the projects are contributing to efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
“We currently have about 29 projects registered with REMA as carbon market projects. They are at different stages. Some have reached the stage of selling credits, while others are being registered, assessed or monitored by independent external entities to verify whether the activities being undertaken match the projects’ commitments,” Munyazikwiye said.
The projects cover a range of activities, including forest conservation and restoration, renewable energy, waste management, agriculture, transport and other initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Munyazikwiye said projects seeking to participate in the carbon market must first be submitted to REMA for assessment by relevant authorities and accredited international organisations before their carbon credits can be taken to market.
He said the price of carbon credits varies depending on market conditions and the type of project, with a credit currently trading at between $14 and $45.
Rwanda has set a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 38% by 2030. Of the targeted reductions, 3.5 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent are expected to come from domestic efforts, while another 4.5 million tonnes are expected to be achieved through international support and projects.
Environment Minister Bernadette Arakwiye said the carbon market could also provide Rwandans with an opportunity to generate income through projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions, including tree-planting initiatives.
“Rwandans who plant trees can develop projects, measure the amount of greenhouse gas emissions reduced and then obtain carbon credits that can be sold on the market,” Arakwiye said.
Kigali is scheduled to host an International Conference on Carbon Markets in Africa from October 13 to 15, 2026. The conference is expected to bring together project developers, investors and buyers of carbon credits.
Tree planting is among the activities contributing to Rwanda’s participation in the carbon market.
