Funding talks are currently active in Kigali as delegates work to secure resources for the next phase of global ozone protection efforts. AllAfrica reports that these discussions occur during the 38th session of the Montreal Protocol’s governing body, marking ten years since the Kigali Amendment was adopted. The central goal is to replenish the Multilateral Fund, with estimates from the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel placing requirements for 2027 through 2029 between $1.230 billion and $1.692 billion. This financing aims to help developing nations phase out hydrochlorofluorocarbons and reduce hydrofluorocarbons, potent greenhouse gases used extensively in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.
Rwanda’s Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva addressed the assembly on November 5, urging governments to move beyond initial pledges and focus on delivering tangible results. He emphasized that the coming decade must prioritize making climate-friendly cooling technologies accessible and affordable, particularly in regions with limited infrastructure. Nsengiyumva argued that reliable cooling is an essential service that supports public health, food security, and economic resilience, rather than merely a matter of comfort. He highlighted the need to build the necessary infrastructure and skills to ensure that sustainable cooling can be integrated into daily life for vulnerable populations.
Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, reported that the Kigali Amendment has already contributed to avoiding over 78 million tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions. She noted that 176 parties have ratified the amendment, bringing it closer to universal adoption. Mrema stated that full implementation of the agreement could limit global warming by up to 0.5 degrees Celsius by 2100. The Multilateral Fund has approved at least 91 implementation plans, helping countries establish the systems required to meet their phase-down commitments.
Rwanda’s Environment Minister Bernadette Arakwiye called for an ambitious and predictable replenishment of the fund, arguing that adequate financing is essential for translating international commitments into practical market changes. She stressed that licensing, quotas, and technician training are critical for turning treaty obligations into reality. The country aims to reduce hydrofluorocarbon consumption by 80 percent by 2045, with intermediate targets set for 2029, 2035, and 2040. These efforts are part of a broader transition that seeks to improve food security and expand access to reliable cooling technologies across developing regions.