Kigali, Rwanda, 23 October 2025 — The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), in collaboration with the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), convened a capacity-building workshop to strengthen Rwandan public institutions’ understanding of carbon markets and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

This workshop marked the first in a series of trainings planned under the “Rwanda Article 6 Readiness and Carbon Market Framework Operationalization” project, funded by GGGI’s Carbon Transaction Facility (CTF) and implemented by GGGI Rwanda in collaboration with REMA. The training was held in Musanze from 13 to 15 October 2025, bringing together technical staff from government institutions to strengthen their institutional readiness to participate effectively in international carbon markets.

A total of 28 participants from 15 public institutions – including 30% females – took part in a series of interactive sessions, expert-led discussions, and practical exercises. These activities were designed to deepen both their technical and strategic understanding of carbon markets and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

Mr Tohid Nowdel, GGGI Rwanda’s Carbon Pricing Senior Officer, highlighted the importance of the initiative:

“Building institutional readiness is the cornerstone of Rwanda’s successful participation in international carbon markets. By empowering public institutions with the right skills and confidence, we are paving the way for the country to unlock new carbon finance opportunities under Article 6.”

Tohid Nowdel, GGGI Rwanda’s Carbon Pricing Senior Officer, speaks during a capacity-building workshop for public stakeholders to strengthen their understanding of Article 6 and carbon market mechanisms. © GGGI Rwanda

Laying the Foundations

The workshop opened with an exploration of the fundamentals of carbon markets, including carbon pricing, trading systems, crediting mechanisms, and the roles of various market actors. Participants delved into key concepts such as additionality, baseline methodologies, and the relationship between global mitigation efforts and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

A key highlight was the in-depth examination of Article 6 mechanisms, specifically Articles 6.2, 6.4, and 6.8, and the operational requirements around Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs), authorization processes, and corresponding adjustments. These sessions provided the foundation for understanding how Rwanda can participate effectively in emerging global carbon markets.

Deepening Knowledge

Building on the first day’s foundation, the second day moved from theory to practice. Participants explored Rwanda’s Carbon Market Framework and its institutional arrangement, carbon project cycle, focusing on authorization procedures, tracking and reporting systems. Through group exercises and an interactive online quiz, participants tested their understanding in real time, transforming complex policy concepts into actionable insights.

“This capacity-building workshop was organized at a critical time, as the Government of Rwanda advances the operationalization of its National Carbon Market Framework. Moving beyond theoretical understanding, it equipped participants from key public institutions with practical skills to effectively engage in carbon markets and Article 6 mechanisms, mobilize carbon finance, and contribute to the implementation of Rwanda’s climate goals and commitments.” Noted Bernadin Bavuge, Environment & Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Specialist at REMA.

Bernadin Bavuge, Environment & Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Specialist at REMA, presented Rwanda’s journey toward operationalizing its carbon market framework. © GGGI Rwanda

Bernadin Bavuge, Environment & Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Specialist at REMA, presented Rwanda’s journey toward operationalizing its carbon market framework. © GGGI Rwanda

The hands-on approach fostered collaboration among institutions and helped identify the systems and processes needed to operationalize Rwanda’s carbon market framework. Each session enhanced confidence and technical know-how to help Rwanda engage effectively in international carbon markets and harness carbon finance opportunities to leverage Rwanda’s green growth and climate resilience vision.

The day ended with renewed enthusiasm as participants reflected on how carbon finance can serve as a lever for Rwanda’s green growth and climate resilience.

A participant shares insights during the workshop. © GGGI Rwanda

Tohid Nowdel presents a carbon market project cycle. © GGGI Rwanda

From Knowledge to Action

The final day focused on applying lessons learned to Rwanda’s context, with discussions centered on how the Article 6 Readiness project can support the country in accelerating the operationalization of its National Carbon Market Framework. Participants engaged in peer learning and strategy development, sharing ideas on governance structures, capacity needs, and coordination mechanisms. The day also unpacked key risks that carbon markets pose to host countries, including the risks of overselling emission reductions and the inclusion of non-additional activities that fail to deliver real climate benefits. Robust governance and safeguards to protect national interests and environmental integrity were emphasised to deal with such risks to host countries. Proposed strategies include rigorous screening of mitigation activities, the development of positive and negative lists to guide eligible projects and ensuring that all market activities remain aligned with countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

Sharing the case study of Uganda, David Baleese Kisakye, Carbon Program Associate at GGGI Uganda, presented Uganda’s inspiring journey toward building readiness to participate in international carbon markets. He highlighted the strong partnership between GGGI and the Government of Uganda, which is driving efforts to put in place the right policies, institutional frameworks, and technical capacities needed to engage effectively and equitably under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

From supporting stakeholder coordination to developing tools that enhance transparency and market access, David underscored that GGGI is working hand in hand with national institutions to ensure Uganda is well-positioned to tap into the opportunities that carbon markets offer for sustainable and inclusive growth.

David Baleese Kisakye (on screen), Carbon Program Associate with GGGI Uganda, shared the country’s journey to enhance readiness in participating in carbon markets. © GGGI Rwanda

Participants immersed themselves in a card game activity to familiarise themselves with the project cycle. © GGGI Rwanda

Participants during a card game activity to familiarise themselves with the project cycle. © GGGI Rwanda

Participants immersed themselves in a card game activity to familiarize themselves with the project cycle. © GGGI Rwanda

In closing reflections, participants shared their key takeaways from the workshop:

“The workshop enhanced my understanding of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and how carbon markets can promote international cooperation, attract climate finance, and support Rwanda’s sustainable development goals. The knowledge gained will help strengthen the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s capacity to identify and support carbon market projects aligned with national priorities, while at personal level I will apply these lessons in advancing green diplomacy and ensuring our initiatives align with Rwanda’s climate commitments.” – Dr. Pacifique Mutijima, Policy and Research Specialist, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Dr Pacifique Mutijima, Policy and Research Specialist, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, shares insights during the workshop on Article 6 and carbon market mechanisms. ©GGGI Rwanda

“This training provided a clear and practical understanding of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and the carbon market, strengthening my institution’s readiness to engage in carbon-related projects while being mindful of key risks such as overselling and double counting.” – Oliver Kamu Uwineza, Environmental and Social Specialist, Development Bank of Rwanda.

Oliver Kamu Uwineza, Environmental and Social Specialist, Development Bank of Rwanda, strengthened her understanding of institutional readiness to engage in carbon-related projects while being mindful of key risks such as overselling and double-counting. © GGGI Rwanda

“The technical sessions on compliance standards, verification procedures, and corresponding adjustments to avoid double-counting were particularly valuable for my current role. I will apply this knowledge to help the Rwanda Standard Board to develop robust technical standards for carbon projects in Rwanda, while ensuring that our standards align with those of the international carbon market, enabling Rwandan projects to access global markets while maintaining credibility and integrity.” – Dr Jean Damascene Ndayambaje, Standards Training and Technical Assistance Officer, Rwanda Standards Board.

Dr Jean Damascene Ndayambaje, Standards Training and Technical Assistance Officer, Rwanda Standards Board, testifies that the workshop helped him to network with national peers and international experts on Article 6 and carbon market mechanisms. This will facilitate ongoing knowledge exchange and collaboration as we work toward effectively implementing Article 6. © GGGI Rwanda

“The workshop clarified how Article 6 and carbon markets work, especially how countries like Rwanda can trade emission reductions through cooperative approaches. It helped me understand the key processes, benefits, and requirements for effective participation in carbon markets.” – Divine Cyambarantama, Director of Non-timber Forest Products, Rwanda Forestry Authority.

Divine Cyambarantama, Director of Non-timber Forest Products, Rwanda Forestry Authority, receives a certificate of completion. © GGGI Rwanda

“I will apply the knowledge gained from the workshop by integrating the principles of Article 6 and carbon market mechanisms into my daily work to support my institution’s climate initiatives. Specifically, I will help identify potential carbon project opportunities that align with our institutional goals and contribute to emission reduction and sustainable development.” – Dieudonné Tuyambaze, Executive Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer, Private Sector Federation.

Dieudonné Tuyambaze (centre), Executive Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer, Private Sector Federation, receives his certificate of completion. © GGGI Rwanda

Charting the Path Forward

The three-day capacity-building workshop marks an important milestone in Rwanda’s journey toward operationalizing its carbon market framework. By building institutional readiness and technical capacity, the initiative lays the groundwork for Rwanda to meaningfully participate in international carbon markets, attract carbon finance, and advance its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

Through the partnership between GGGI and REMA, and with funding from the Carbon Transaction Facility (CTF), Rwanda continues to strengthen its leadership in green growth, climate action, and sustainable development.

During the workshop, participants engaged in interactive sessions, expert-led discussions, and practical exercises to deepen both their technical and strategic understanding of carbon markets and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. © GGGI Rwanda

During the workshop, participants engaged in interactive sessions, expert-led discussions, and practical exercises to deepen both their technical and strategic understanding of carbon markets and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. © GGGI Rwanda

Participants were awarded certificates of completion. © GGGI Rwanda

About the Rwanda Article 6 Readiness and Carbon Market Framework Operationalization project

With a total budget of USD 854,895, the two-year project titled ‘Rwanda Article 6 Readiness and Carbon Market Framework Operationalization’ was launched earlier this year. The project goals focus on supporting the operationalization of Rwanda’s National Carbon Market Framework through a combination of the following interventions:

1. Awareness raising and capacity building of public and private stakeholders to engage in Article 6 cooperative approaches on an equitable basis.
2. Governance frameworks and institutional capacity building rules, modalities, and procedures for carbon market participation.
3. Provision of technical support in the development of a pipeline of high-quality carbon reduction projects across key sectors, such as agriculture, forestry, energy, transport, and waste.
4. Multi-directional knowledge sharing to enhance stakeholders’ awareness and confidence to create opportunities for dialogue with potential buyers.

Ultimately, these interventions will collectively enable Rwanda to generate and sell carbon credits to other countries, including GGGI’s Carbon Trust Fund members, and catalyze meaningful participation in Article 6 markets to fund Rwanda’s ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) targets.