Rwanda, Singapore sign implementation agreement under article 6 of the Paris Agreement

Singapore – 06 May 2025. The Government of Rwanda and the Government of Singapore have today signed an Implementation Agreement pursuant to Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, marking a significant milestone in bilateral climate cooperation and Rwanda carbon market framework implementation.

The signing took place on the sidelines of Ecosperity Week 2025 in Singapore, an annual conference that brings together key decision makers from both the public and private sectors with a shared vision to build a vibrant ecosystem that could accelerate climate action and promote a just transition. The implementing Agreement builds on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both countries in December 2023 at the sidelines of COP28 in Dubai. This agreement establishes a framework for Rwanda and Singapore to work together by trading high-quality carbon credits. It shows the commitment to cutting emissions while also attracting investment, encouraging innovation, and supporting sustainable development.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, emphasized on the importance of fair, forward-looking, and results-oriented climate partnerships.

“Rwanda is committed to deepening technical cooperation with Singapore to harness the potential of carbon markets as an effective tool for climate action,” said Minister Uwamariya. “Through this Agreement, we aim to promote high-integrity carbon markets, achieve tangible emissions reductions, and support sustainable development for our communities. It also paves the way for stronger public-private partnerships to collectively address the global challenge of climate change impacts.”

This bilateral cooperation not only supports Singapore’s efforts to meet its climate targets through credible, verified offsets, but also unlocks investment, innovation, and green jobs in Rwanda. It reinforces both countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

During a bilateral meeting with Ms. Grace Fu Hai Yien, Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations, both parties reaffirmed their strategic partnership and explored ways to expand joint efforts.

Minister Fu said, “Over the years, Singapore and Rwanda have strengthened cooperation in forward-looking areas such as digital economy and fintech. Climate change is a new and emerging area of collaboration given the existential challenges that we are facing globally. This Implementation Agreement builds on our existing partnership and represents a concrete step in operationalising the Paris Agreement. I look forward to companies utilising this Agreement to develop high-quality carbon credit projects under Article 6 to accelerate climate action.”

The Rwanda–Singapore Implementation Agreement stands as a leading example of South–Southeast cooperation in putting Article 6 of the Paris Agreement into practice, embodying a shared commitment to climate ambition through action, equity, and sustainable development.

Rwanda and Singapore will now focus on implementing the Agreement through high-quality carbon credit projects that deliver real climate and development benefits. A joint working group will guide this collaboration, with a focus on environmental integrity, innovation, and private sector engagement.