Rwanda Takes Bold Step Towards Sustainable Public Procurement and Plastic Pollution Reduction

KIGALI – Rwanda is making significant strides towards achieving environmental sustainability through the implementation of its new Sustainable Public Procurement Policy. Speaking at a recent celebration of the World Environment Day, Joyeuse Uwingeneye, Director General of the Rwanda Public Procurement Authority, highlighted how this policy aligns with national priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

“This policy is not just a document; it’s a framework that guides us to incorporate sustainability into all aspects of public procurement,” Uwingeneye explained. She emphasized that the policy was adopted in October 2024 after a comprehensive revision of the law governing public procurement, where sustainability principles such as transparency, competition, and value for money were reinforced to include environmental, social, and economic pillars.

Central to Rwanda’s sustainability efforts is addressing plastic pollution, a pressing environmental challenge. Uwingeneye announced that, starting from July 1, 2025, all government offices will phase out the use of single-use plastic bottles. Instead, they will adopt reusable bottles and water dispensing solutions such as water gallons, aiming for 100% compliance in the coming months.

“This transition is part of a broader effort to reduce plastic waste and promote responsible consumption,” she said. The initiative has already seen early success in several government institutions, including the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Labour and Public Service, which have begun adopting eco-friendly water solutions following directives from top leadership.

The policy targets key sectors such as construction, transport, water, IT, agriculture, and manufacturing—each with specific sustainable criteria. For instance, in transportation, there is an emphasis on incorporating electric vehicles into government fleets; in water management, eliminating single-use plastics is a priority; and in IT, ensuring government equipment meets green standards.

Uwingeneye stressed that enforcement of the policy through public procurement processes is crucial. “We are now moving from planning to action. Procurement officials will be held accountable for incorporating sustainability criteria. It is essential for us to lead by example,” she declared.

This approach aligns Rwanda’s environmental objectives with its broader development goals, positioning the country as a regional leader in sustainable governance. Through partnerships with organizations like RIMA and Nyande, the government plans to embed these sustainable practices widely across public administrations.

As Rwanda advances its sustainable public procurement journey, the decisive move to eliminate single-use plastics in government offices marks a significant milestone in the country’s environmental conservation efforts. It sends a clear message: sustainable development begins with policy enforcement and leadership at all levels.