The Government of Rwanda and the European Union (EU) have signed a grant agreement worth Frw 67 billion (€40 million) to support projects aimed at promoting climate-resilient and inclusive agriculture.
The agreement was signed on August 4, 2026, to finance the implementation of the Hangaribihe programme.
Hangaribihe Programme to Run Until 2029
Hangaribihe is a four-year initiative that will run until 2029. It will be implemented in districts that are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, particularly those in the Eastern and Southern provinces.
Funding to Modernize Agriculture
Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, said the funding will be invested in two key areas designed to modernize agriculture, increase productivity, and strengthen the agricultural value chain.
He said: “The programme will focus on increasing agricultural production and ensuring access to adequate post-harvest processing facilities, with particular attention to smallholder farmers, cooperatives, women, youth, and small and medium-sized enterprises. It will also promote climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable agriculture,”
The EU Ambassador to Rwanda, Belén Calvo Uyarra, noted that while the EU already partners with Rwanda across various sectors, this initiative marks an important step in advancing environmental conservation through climate-smart agriculture.
She said: “This €40 million programme reflects our commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector. We are pleased that it will support initiatives that protect the environment while promoting sustainable agricultural development,”
Grant to Complement National Agriculture Programmes
Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye, said the grant will complement existing national programmes, including irrigation projects, productivity enhancement in food basket sites, and land consolidation initiatives.
He said: “Our objective is to significantly increase productivity per hectare. Achieving this requires introducing innovative farming practices that enable us to overcome the challenges posed by climate change, including unpredictable rainfall, excessive rains, or prolonged dry spells. The goal is to ensure stable agricultural production despite these climatic challenges,”
He added that the programme will further strengthen ongoing efforts in agroforestry, soil erosion control, and the development of climate-resilient crop varieties, ensuring increased agricultural output while protecting the environment.
Supporting Rwanda’s Long-Term Development Goals
The Hangaribihe programme will also support the implementation of Rwanda’s Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and the Fifth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA 5).
