Abu Dhabi 03/05/2021- Ambassador Emmanuel Hategeka presented his credential letter to Francesco La Camera, Director General of IRENA as Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the intergovernmental agency with headquarters in Abu Dhabi – UAE. The ceremony took place on Monday 03 May 2021 at IRENA Headquarters.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is a member based agency with the mandate to promote increased adoption & sustainable use of renewable energies supporting countries in energy transition through policy advice, Research, technology, knowledge exchange as well as providing a platform for resource mobilization.

In conversation with DG Francesco La Camera, Ambassador Emmanuel Hategeka reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to increasing the share of renewable energy with a clear national vision of becoming a low carbon, climate resilient economy by 2050.

“Thank you so much DG Francesco La Camera for your warm welcome to IRENA as Rwanda’s Permanent Representative.  I look forward to scaling up in our cooperation in renewable energy transitioning for a greener future of my country,” Ambassador Hategeka said after presenting his credentials.

By 2024, renewable energy will constitute 60% of Rwanda’s energy mix. With a target of universal access to electricity, 52% of households will be connected to the grid while 48% will be off grid using solar home systems and mini grids.

“Enhanced partnership with IRENA will promote exchange of knowledge and best practices in renewable energy. We will also work together in resource mobilization efforts to implement our NDC especially for renewable energy targets,” Ambassador Emmanuel Hategeka underscored.

On his part DG Francesco La Camera praised Rwanda as a unique country at the forefront of climate change action, green, stable and secure with a good investment climate. He reiterated IRENA’s intention to host the next investment forum under climate investment platform in Rwanda in 2022.

DG Francesco La Camera encouraged different actors in Rwanda to share projects in renewable energy and climate investment for consideration by over 300 partners collaborating under IRENA’s climate investment platform.