Rwanda, privy to hardships, is stepping out to make a difference with renewable/alternative energy – leading by example for other underdeveloped countries. The East African nation faces a growing problem of cultivated land being pushed out further destroying streams, hydroelectric plants, and water supply. Yet the country’s president Paul Kagame has become a green crusader and one of Africa’s strongest voices on environmental sustainability getting recognition from key industry players like the World Bank and former US president Bill Clinton’s Global Initiative.
Visitors at Rwanda’s airport instantly take note of the seriousness of the government’s environmental pledge as airport employees confiscate travelers’ plastic grocery bags. "If we just look at economic aspects without taking into account the environment, then we might not achieve anything," said Vincent Karega, a top Kagame aide on environmental matters,. "The country is very hilly, so soil conservation is a must. And also there is still unexploited potential for ecotourism. So we can make money out of conserving nature rather than destroying nature." Unfortunately, crops have overpowered the landscape which is currently hindering Rwanda’s biggest economic source, ecotourism. Aid organizations and foreign governments want to see environmental sustainability before they send cash, adding urgency to Kagame’s push for stringent conservation measures.
However, Rwanda’s story is that of success and other African nations that continuously blame their lack of development on corruption, strife, and economic woes should take a look. After one of the worst genocides in history where Rwandan Hutus almost annihilated the rival Tutsi tribe, development has surprisingly increased significantly. Rwanda has drawn investment from companies as diverse as Costco, Microsoft, and Starbucks, which opened an office in Kigali to train farmers to grow high-end coffee more efficiently.
Marie-Helene Bricknell, the World Bank’s coordinator for Rwanda, sees evidence that the Rwandan government’s green efforts and commercialization approach is working. "Rwanda is a darling in East Africa because they perform," Bricknell said.