A new Project to strengthen Rwanda’s sustainable cooling and refrigeration capacity was launched on December 19th, 2024, Implemented by Istituto per la Cooperazione Universitaria (ICU) in partnership with Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), funded by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC).
The project’s kickoff meeting at Highlands Suites Hotel-Nyarutarama convened key government institutions and private sector stakeholders to establish implementation frameworks. ICU Rwanda’s Country Director Enrico Ferracin, REMA Division Manager Mudakekwa R. Eric, and CCAC National Consultant Joseph Ndakize opened the event, emphasizing the importance of collaborative action.
Technical presentations highlighted international best practices and local context:
- ICU NEXUS Expert Maurizio Casarci shared case studies from Nigeria and Lebanon on technician certification programs for reducing Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) emissions.
- CCAC National Consultant Joseph Ndakize outlined CCAC-REMA collaboration on reducing short-lived climate pollutants.
- REMA’s Greenhouse Gas Inventory Officer David Ukwishaka presented Rwanda’s cooling sector status and national strategy alignment.
- Project Manager Maurice Shyaka detailed the initiative’s focus on enhancing government capacity for HFC emissions assessment, developing technician certification schemes, and promoting energy-efficient technologies.
A key highlight was the stakeholder discussion on strengthening Rwanda’s cooling sector capacity. Participants emphasized practical approaches including developing market-relevant technical modules in Kinyarwanda (local language), creating incentives for knowledge acquisition, and making training more accessible for the technicians. The Rwanda Standards Board outlined potential collaboration on competency-based certification schemes.
In conclusion, the project aligns with Rwanda’s National Cooling Strategy and commitments under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. This UNEP-CCAC funded initiative, implemented by ICU with support of REMA, reinforces Rwanda’s leadership in climate action through sustainable cooling innovation.
