In order to achieve Agenda 2030, we need to get the economic incentives right and make sure to leave no one behind. In other words, we need a transformation towards an inclusive green economy. Such transformation requires increased knowledge of, and capacity to apply, policy instruments such as bans, taxes, fees, subsidies, permits, and refund systems that generate incentives for an inclusive green economy. The Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) Program aims to strengthen the country and regional capacity of green economy transformation in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. The program is financed by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and is implemented by the University of Gothenburg and the Environment for Development Initiative (EfD) in collaboration with academic centers in the five East African countries. This Inclusive Green Economy Policy Review is a learning material co-created by the academic partners in the program and the program participants at governmental ministries and agencies.
The review aims to facilitate learning on priorities, challenges, and opportunities related to national green economy visions and strategies, and policy instruments in three important policy areas in the country and the region. The policy areas of fossil fuels, plastic pollution, and forest loss are chosen as they are of importance for an inclusive green economy in all five participating countries.
In short, the Inclusive Green Economy Policy Review:
• Gives an overview of the visions, strategies, and programs connected to IGE transformation and the organizational structure for their implementation.
• Describes the current use of policy instruments to reduce plastic pollution, forest loss, and the use of fossil fuels.
• Identifies the acceptance of policy instruments among the general public and different stakeholders, including public and private sector actors, as well as civil society organizations in the three policy areas.
The review provides a basis for critical analysis and dialogue on the current use of policy instruments and gaps in a transition to greener and more inclusive economies. Besides being a key component in the educational material used in the training program, the review also contributes to national and regional dialogues. The national dialogues facilitate in-country peer learning between the academic partners in the program and the program participants as well as with their colleagues.
The review is also used for cross-country learning where one country’s group of program participants conduct an analytical review of a neighboring country’s National Policy Review to facilitate cross-country peer learning. These cross-country peer learning reviews workshops aim to strengthen networks on IGE in East Africa.
Hence, this report should be read as a learning material, co-created by the academic partners and civil servants in the program. This means that this should not be referred to as a complete review of all IGE policies for these policy areas in this region and, has not been through a quality review process. This is a document that gives a first overview with the aim to facilitate interesting discussions and learning between countries struggling with similar challenges in their work towards an inclusive green economy.
This policy review has been written by Abias Maniragaba, Policy Engagement Specialist (Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning in Rwanda); Amin Karimu, Senior Research Fellow EfD South Africa/University of Cape Town, Fred Sabiti, IGE Lead (Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning in Rwanda) in collaboration with the following enrolled civil servants: Laurent Ndizihiwe, Jeanne Francoise Ingabire, Michel Christopher Uwijuru, Jean D’Amour Nshumbusho, Jean Bosco Mutabazi, Benjamin Kabandana.
Please cite the report as Environment for Development South Africa (2023), Inclusive Green Economy Policy Review for Rwanda, Environment for Development: Gothenburg.
