This week on SAT Interviews, we sit down with Joseph Kabakeza, the First Counsellor of Rwanda’s High Commission in the UK, at the recently held African Caribbean Sustainability and Investment Summit 2024. Kabakeza shares his vision for deepening African-Caribbean partnerships, Rwanda’s leadership in sustainability, and the importance of collaboration in tackling global climate challenges.

Rwanda has become a model of sustainable development, with ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 38% by 2030. Kabakeza credits this success to the country’s integration of climate action into national planning, guided by President Paul Kagame’s visionary leadership. “Our approach is inclusive, ensuring communities across Rwanda play an active role in climate adaptation,” he explained.

During the interview, Kabakeza emphasised the potential of African-Caribbean collaboration in addressing shared challenges like climate vulnerability and economic sustainability. He highlighted the opportunity for South-South partnerships to foster innovation, share knowledge, and create impactful solutions. “Africa and the Caribbean face similar issues, and by working together, we can amplify our resilience and drive meaningful change,” Kabakeza noted.

A key theme of the summit and Kabakeza’s dialogue was the importance of sustainability-driven investment. He encouraged international investors to view Africa and the Caribbean as partners in solving global challenges, pointing to Rwanda’s Green Fund (FONERWA) as a successful model of financing transformative projects.

Kabakeza also stressed the role of youth in shaping a sustainable future, describing them as “the custodians of tomorrow’s environment.” This sentiment underscores Rwanda’s commitment to engaging younger generations in climate action and development.

The interview sheds light on how Rwanda’s expertise in areas like digital innovation and renewable energy can be shared with Caribbean nations to bolster their climate resilience. Kabakeza’s insights demonstrate the power of regional alliances in creating sustainable economic growth while addressing global environmental challenges.

Don’t miss this in-depth conversation with Joseph Kabakeza, airing this week on SAT Interviews. Discover how African and Caribbean nations are forging partnerships to build a greener, more equitable future.