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Japan Pledges USD 1 Million to support IOM’s Disaster Risk Reduction Efforts in Rwanda

Kigali, 20 December 2024 - The Government of Japan has pledged 1 Million USD to support the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in enhancing Rwanda's adaptation and mitigation capacities to climate change and extreme weather events.

This year alone, Rwanda has experienced several impacts of climate change related events, such as heavy rains and lightning from March to May due to El Niño, as well as an increased number of fire alerts from May to August. To address these challenges, IOM is collaborating with Japanese companies Otowa Electric Co. Ltd. and Jibu Gas One Ltd, leveraging their expertise and in lightning protection systems and liquefied petroleum gas cooking equipment to safeguard lives and build energy resilience.

In the lead-up to the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), due in August 2025 in Yokohama, Japan, financial support from the people of Japan to Rwanda was approved to swiftly address economic and social issues in Africa by leveraging the technology and experience of Japanese companies.

“We are grateful for the generous support from the people of Japan. This funding will significantly enhance Rwanda’s capacity to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Continuing to develop partnerships with the private sector, will not only bring valuable innovation, expertise and technology to our efforts, but also ensure a safer and more resilient future for the people of Rwanda,” states Ash Carl, Chief of Mission of IOM Rwanda.

The Embassy of Japan is pleased to contribute to enhancing Rwanda’s climate-adaptation and mitigation efforts. This collaboration embodies Japan’s commitment to human security, focusing on protection, empowerment and solidarity.

The Embassy of Japan also looks forward to witnessing the development of partnerships between IOM and the Japanese private sector, to address climate-related challenges in Rwanda. Japan highly acknowledges the unweaving efforts and commitment by the Government of Rwanda and IOM in response to the urgent needs related to climate change, and remains committed to addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.

For more information, please contact:

Takashi Ujikawa, Migration Management Officer, IOM Rwanda, +250 788 310 997, taujikawa@iom.int

Ryohei Tanaka, the Embassy of Japan in Rwanda, +250 252 500 844, ryohei.tanaka@mofa.go.jp

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