Japan embassy, IOM Rwanda and government officials pose for a group photo at the launch of the new initiative
The government of Japan and the International Organization for Migration launched a new initiative in Rwanda on March 31 aimed at advancing climate mobility solutions by improving climate resilience, disaster risk reduction and access to sustainable energy.
The 12-month project, titled “Enhancing Climate Resilience through Local Innovation in Disaster Risk Reduction and Clean Energy Access,” seeks to strengthen Rwanda’s ability to prevent climate-related displacement through locally driven approaches that address both immediate disaster risks and long-term environmental sustainability.
The project will support community-based disaster management through risk mapping, contingency planning and responder training. It will also expand access to clean energy and promote sustainable environmental practices through awareness campaigns and youth engagement.
As part of the initiative, IOM, working with the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management and the Rwanda Environment Management Authority, will install lightning protection systems in public institutions in high-risk areas.
Floodwaters in Kigali devastate homes in May 2025 as heavy rains battered some high risk settlements in the city
The initiative comes as Rwanda faces increasing exposure to climate-related disasters, including extreme weather, soil erosion, deforestation and ecosystem degradation. These challenges continue to threaten lives, disrupt livelihoods and heighten the risk of displacement, driving growing humanitarian needs.
Building resilience in at-risk communities requires coordinated action that links disaster preparedness, clean energy transition and community-level risk governance. The project is also expected to showcase proven Japanese technologies while strengthening local capacity and protecting lives and livelihoods.
It builds on an ongoing Japan-funded programme, “Enhancing Adaptation and Mitigation Capacities to Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events in Rwanda,” which has supported the rollout of early warning systems, improved evacuation site management and expanded access to cleaner energy solutions.
“Today, we are proud to build on this momentum with the launch of a new initiative,” said Ashley Carl, Chief of Mission at IOM Rwanda. “At its heart, this project is about people and communities — supporting practical solutions, strengthening local capacity and reducing the risks that force people to leave their homes. It is also about expanding partnerships, including with the private sector.”
Under the new phase, Japan and IOM will continue working with Japanese companies operating in Rwanda, including Otowa Electric Co., Ltd. for lightning protection systems and Jibu Gas One Ltd. for clean energy solutions, bringing technical expertise to community-level interventions.
By reinforcing national systems and supporting local innovation, the project aims to reduce the humanitarian impact of climate-related disasters, protect vulnerable communities and strengthen preparedness, in line with Rwanda’s broader commitments to climate resilience, disaster risk management and sustainable development.
“For more than a century, Japan has engaged in disaster prevention and management,” said Kazuya Nakajo, Ambassador of Japan to Rwanda.
