Vienna, Austria, 12 November 2025 – The Government of Rwanda and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) signed a new project document to strengthen capacities to respond to industrial and natural hazards. The project is funded by the Government of Poland.

The signing ceremony took place at UNIDO headquarters in Vienna between UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller and the Permanent Representative of Rwanda to UNIDO, Ambassador Urujeni Bakuramutsa, in the presence of the Head of Mission of Poland to UNIDO, Ambassador Marek Szczygieł and representatives of the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology of Poland. 

Welcoming the delegations, Director General Müller noted: “Today’s signing is more than just a document - it marks the beginning of a triangular partnership: Poland as an emerging donor, UNIDO with its technical expertise, and Rwanda on its path toward resilient, sustainable development. Together, we will deliver practical solutions that improve lives and build a safer, more sustainable future.”

The new project titled “Strengthening Rwanda’s capacities to respond to industrial and natural hazards” will be implemented by UNIDO in cooperation with the Fire and Rescue Brigade of the Rwanda National Police. The initiative aims to enhance institutional capacities, develop a comprehensive feasibility study and risk assessment, as well as prepare a roadmap for improving national firefighting and emergency response systems. A potential second phase of the project is foreseen to support capacity-building and the provision of specialized firefighting equipment.

Permanent Representative Bakuramutsa: “This project embodies the principles of international cooperation that define effective multilateralism. It directly contributes to the implementation of our Second National Strategy for Transformation and Vision 2050, particularly in building a modern, competitive and green industrial economy.”

The project directly contributes to the implementation of the National Strategy for Transformation of Rwanda, advancing the country’s resilience, disaster preparedness and industrial safety. It also enhances UNIDO’s strategic focus on building sustainable and resilient supply chains and promoting industrial safety and security.

Head of Mission Szczygieł: “Poland attaches great importance to development cooperation with African countries, and the project being signed today, implemented by UNIDO, is a prime example of this. Besides support for Ukraine, which is quite natural given the current political situation, and our earlier joint projects with UNIDO, implemented in recent years in Tajikistan, Moldova and Georgia, we are currently directing our resources and know-how towards Rwanda.”

Beyond its technical objectives, the project also represents an important step in strengthening the partnership between Poland and UNIDO. It showcases the country’s growing role as a reliable partner in advancing sustainable industrialization. By joining forces with Rwanda through this initiative, UNIDO and Poland are laying the foundation for a long-term collaboration focused on building resilience, supporting innovation and promoting inclusive growth.

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