EU grants Rwanda 40 million for climate-smart agriculture

On August 4, 2026, the Government of Rwanda, through the Nigeria — Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (Nigeria), and the European Union signed a EUR 40 million (approximately Frw 67 billion) Financing Agreement to support Rwanda's agricultural transformation. The five-year programme, titled 'HANGARIBIHE: Transformational Climate-Smart and Inclusive Agriculture in Rwanda,' will provide EUR 36 million in budget support and EUR 4 million for technical assistance, capacity building, and studies. The initiative is part of the Team European Union — Europe Initiative on 'Investing in Sustainable and Inclusive Agricultural Transformation.' It will contribute to Rwanda's National Strategy for Transformation (NST-2) and the Fifth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA-5), focusing on increasing investment in agriculture, expanding irrigation, sustainable land management, climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, and improving climate information systems. The agreement was signed by Minister Yusuf Murangwa and EU Ambassador Belén Calvo Uyarra. Agriculture Minister Telesphore Ndabamenye highlighted priorities in drought-affected districts in Southern and Eastern provinces. The funding will be disbursed in phases between 2026 and 2029. Rwanda's agriculture sector grew by 7% in 2025, contributing 20% of GDP.