Rwanda has released its updated Climate Action Plan, NDC 3.0, outlining a more ambitious path toward a carbon-neutral and climate-resilient future. The plan strengthens the country’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and extends Rwanda’s climate targets to 2035, aligning directly with the national long-term Vision 2050.

NDC 3.0 marks Rwanda’s most comprehensive climate roadmap yet. For the first time, it includes emissions and removals from Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF), making it an economy-wide climate plan covering all greenhouse gases in the national inventory.

Under the new commitment, Rwanda aims to cut net emissions by up to 53% compared to a business-as-usual trajectory by 2035, equivalent to 14.86 million tonnes of CO₂e. This includes a 7% unconditional reduction financed domestically and a 46% conditional reduction dependent on international climate finance and partnerships. The energy, agriculture and forestry sectors remain the country’s most significant areas for potential emission cuts.

The plan also introduces enhanced targets for adaptation, loss and damage, and a strengthened measurement, reporting and verification system to ensure full transparency. Rwanda estimates it will require USD 12 billion to fully implement NDC 3.0, with 60% directed toward adaptation and 40% toward mitigation.

“Rwanda’s new Climate Action Plan reflects our determination to act decisively on climate change for people, our economy, and our planet,” said Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye, Minister of Environment. “With this NDC 3.0, we are building our adaptive capacity to deal with climate shocks, raising our ambition to reduce emissions and strengthening resilience for continued economic development.”

NDC 3.0 was shaped through nationwide consultations involving government institutions, private sector players, academia, civil society and youth groups, ensuring the plan reflects local priorities and community realities.

According to Juliet Kabera, Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority, “Implementation will be key and it will require strong partnerships and continued commitment.”

To support the rollout, the government will establish a new Country Platform for Climate and Development to coordinate investments, partnerships and financing pipelines that will drive the transition.