Rwanda and International Solar Alliance Sign Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Solar Power Initiatives

The Government of Rwanda and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) have signed a Country Partnership Framework (CPF), marking a major step forward in strengthening cooperation on renewable energy and accelerating Rwanda’s transition toward a resilient, low-carbon energy system.

The CPF was officially signed in Kigali by the Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Jimmy Gasore, representing the Government of Rwanda, and the Director General of ISA, Ashish Khanna, during a high-level engagement focused on expanding strategic collaboration in the energy sector through solar systems. 

The partnership reinforces the growing cooperation between Rwanda and the International Solar Alliance, aligning with Rwanda’s long-term vision for sustainable development and universal access to clean energy.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Jimmy Gasore reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to renewable energy transformation, underscoring the central role of solar power in the country’s development trajectory.

“Solar energy is not a component of our strategy; it is a defining pillar of it,” he stated.

A Comprehensive Framework for Solar-Led Transformation

The newly signed CPF establishes a structured framework for collaboration across multiple priority areas designed to expand energy access, enhance productivity, and strengthen climate resilience.

A key focus of the partnership is the solarisation of agricultural value chains. This will involve the deployment of solar-powered irrigation systems and the integration of renewable energy solutions into agricultural processing, cold storage, and other productive use applications. These interventions are expected to improve agricultural productivity while reducing post-harvest losses and dependence on fossil fuels.

Expanding Socio-Economic Impact Through Clean Energy

The CPF also places strong emphasis on socio-economic transformation, with programmes projected to benefit approximately half a million people. These initiatives will promote solar-powered productive use technologies that support income generation, rural development, and inclusive growth.

In parallel, the partnership will help mobilise private capital and blended financing mechanisms to scale up bankable renewable energy projects across the country.

Rooftop Solar Expansion and Institutional Energy Transition

A major component of the agreement is the development of a national rooftop solar programme targeting public institutions, commercial buildings, and residential households. The programme will be supported through enabling policies, innovative financing models, and streamlined implementation frameworks to accelerate adoption.

The CPF further prioritises clean cooking solutions, including the review and expansion of solar-based and hybrid clean cooking technologies, particularly for schools and institutional facilities, contributing to improved health outcomes and reduced environmental impact.

Clean Mobility and Energy Integration

In the transport sector, Rwanda and ISA will collaborate on the development of solar-powered electric vehicle charging infrastructure and the integration of renewable energy into national e-mobility strategies. This is expected to strengthen Rwanda’s transition toward sustainable and low-emission transport systems.

Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening

The partnership places strong emphasis on skills development through the Solar Technologies Application Resources Center (STAR-C) initiative in collaboration with the University of Rwanda, which will support training for policymakers, engineers, technicians, and entrepreneurs in key renewable energy sectors. This is intended to strengthen institutional capacity and accelerate innovation in clean energy deployment.

The signing of the Country Partnership Framework reflects Rwanda’s continued commitment to building a sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient energy system, while strengthening international partnerships that support its green growth and transformation agenda.