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Rwanda
Global Programme on Sustainability
Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs
The programme supports sustainable economic growth that is both long-lasting and resilient to climate-related stressors. It does this through the integration of natural capital into decision making by governments, the private sector and financial institutions. The inability to value natural capital can undermine long-term growth and critically, the livelihoods of the poorest people dependent on ecosystems for their livelihoods. This programme directly addresses this challenge by (i) investing in data and research on natural capital; (ii) assisting countries to integrate this analysis into government policy making; and (iii) integrating this data and analysis into financial sector decision making.
Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chain Solutions
Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs
This activity supports a number of different areas of work which aim to accelerate the climate benefits of the Kigali Amendment (KA) to the Montreal Protocol (MP) and encourage uptake of energy efficient and climate friendly solutions. This includes (1) The creation of an African Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chains (ACES) in Rwanda. ACES will accelerate deployment of sustainable (environmental, economic and social) cold-chain solutions throughout Africa. (2) The development and deployment of an HFC outlook model to address information gaps on energy use and energy related CO2 emissions from the refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pumps (RACHP) market. It will assist in reducing cost of the transition for Article 5 countries to the Montreal Protocol and increase the climate benefit of action under the MP. (3) Increasing countries technical capacity and providing insights on global best practice of EE improvements of cooling products in parallel with HFC phase down, through model regulations and sustainable public procurement in ASEAN and Africa.
Darwin Initiative
Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs
The Darwin Initiative is the UK’s flagship international challenge fund for biodiversity conversation and poverty reduction, established at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992. The Darwin Initiative is a grant scheme working on projects that aim to slow, halt, or reverse the rates of biodiversity loss and degradation, with associated reductions in multidimensional poverty. To date, the Darwin Initiative has awarded more than £195m to over 1,280 projects in 159 countries to enhance the capability and capacity of national and local stakeholders to deliver biodiversity conservation and multidimensional poverty reduction outcomes in low and middle-income countries. More information at https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/the-darwin-initiative. This page contains information about Rounds 27 onwards. For information about Rounds 1 to 26, please see the Darwin Initiative website -https://www.darwininitiative.org.uk/
OX Global Limited - Enabling new energy infrastructure in underserved regions of Rwanda through the integration of zero-emission vehicle groundwork
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Despite the goal to achieve 100% energy access in Rwanda by 2024, the current access-rate is at 76% in urban communities and only 44% in rural regions (USAID,2022). The wiring of the energy distribution network in Rwanda is 16,000km long, of which 35% is covered by MV (medium voltage) lines and 65% by LV (low voltage) lines. Electricity connections for non-residential and industrial users (public, commercial centres, factories, hotels and offices) are prioritised because the marginal costs are relatively low in comparison to households in scattered, remote areas. Moreover, residential users consume a low amount of electricity, which reduces the incentive to target this group. Currently, 80% of the Rwandan population lives in remote, rural areas. Therefore, it is difficult and expensive to connect them to the national grid. Furthermore, off-grid renewable containerised systems require an economy for the electricity to justify the investment. To overcome this clear unmet need of providing basic electricity services in rural communities, the consortium is developing a business-case that is profitable and scalable to the Rwandan population. OX-Global Limited (OX) is an award-winning UK start-up automotive company founded by not-for-profit company, Global Vehicle Trust (GVT). In partnership with OX Rwanda Limited (OX-Rwanda) the consortium's mission is to deliver affordable transport in emerging markets, driving a self-reinforcing cycle of economic growth and social impact. OX and OX-Rwanda fuse together experts in engineering, energy, and advanced manufacturing to build an infrastructure for Productive Use of Energy from Ox-Rwanda's depots and truck-bases, and will study how to make energy available to the general public in rural communities. In this Industrial Research project, development of the OX-truck, a unique zero-emissions-vehicle (ZEV) will not only disrupt the existing transport and logistics infrastructure for Rwandans requiring affordable transport for trading agricultural goods, but will also catalyse the start of energy distribution networks installed in rural areas previously deemed uneconomical. This project is anticipated to deliver transformative effects for the consortium by opening new markets, generating revenues and team growth through partnerships with Farmer-Entrepreneurs, Small Trader SMEs, and Corporates by providing innovative solutions that will benefit emerging markets.
A high-power solar e-cooker: accelerating the transition to inclusive e-cooking in sub-Saharan Africa
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Globally, 2.4 billion people still use firewood, charcoal or some other form of biomass for cooking, resulting in 3.2 million premature deaths in 2020---mostly women and young children---due to the serious health issues caused by indoor air pollution. Access to clean cooking, such as electric cooking to replace the uncontrolled burning of biomass, is critical to reduce deforestation, mitigate climate change and reduce health risks for users. In Rwanda, 1.9 million households still rely on wood and charcoal for cooking. To address the massive health problems caused by indoor air pollution---and met the global Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of modern, affordable, and safe energy for all---Rwanda has prioritised a clean cooking program aiming to provide new or improved access to clean cooking solutions to 500,000 households by 2026\. The uptake of solar electric cooking is seen as critical for Rwanda to meet its clean cooking target. Solar electric energy costs have fallen so much that, for many households, electric cooking using solar panels is expected to be cheaper than using charcoal. Our vision is that solar e-cooking will eventually accompany or become part of solar home systems, which have already become popular in many African countries for powering lights and small appliances. However, currently, there are no solar e-cooking systems available as part of Rwanda's clean cooking programme. The challenge now is to develop an affordable and marketable solar e-cooking system, available with a service and payment model that will appeal to a broad spectrum of potential end-users, without reinforcing existing economic disadvantage. To address this need, this project will bring together energy poor households with academic researchers, consultants in cook stove monitoring, a solar energy company and Rwanda's regional energy provider. Together, they will co-design a new highly marketable low-carbon, clean and affordable solar e-cooking system by integrating existing solar products to arrive at a new whole system design. This project will be a starting point in helping households transition away from traditional forms of cooking that are dependent on fossil fuels, giving communities the confidence to use e-cooking appliances and make purchasing decisions around off-grid solar e-cooking. By working towards establishing a solar e-cooking eco-system, SMEs and financiers will be encouraged to increase investment in producing a range of solar e-cooking products for the market, and governments will be able to provide more targeted support for solar e-cooking to achieve their clean cooking targets.
Renewable Energy Agro-Processing Hubs for Energy Access and Economic Development in Rural Rwanda
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Our project, REAP (Renewable Energy Agro-Processing) hub, is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering rural communities by providing sustainable access to renewable energy and enhancing their food production capacities. Through the integration of innovative technologies and community-driven approaches, we seek to create lasting social, economic, and environmental impact in underserved regions. At the heart of our project is the vision to address the energy poverty prevalent in remote rural areas, where communities face challenges due to lack of reliable and affordable energy. Bby harnessing the power of renewable energy, we can unlock tremendous potential, enabling these communities to improve their quality of life and drive sustainable development. We begin with robust community engagement and needs assessment to truly understand the energy requirements and aspirations users. By working closely with the target communities, we ensure that our solutions are tailored to their specific needs and integrate seamlessly into their daily lives. Through strategic partnerships (Smart Villages Research Group and NjordFrey), we will deploy renewable energy technologies to support high yield fish/vegetable production with value addition (cooling/food drying). Intelligently monitored and coordinated through a digital monitoring system, the REAP hub will automatically balance the energy and production demands to increase efficiency and reduce energy and production costs. The REAP project extends beyond energy access. We recognise the vital role of productive systems in rural communities, such as agriculture and small-scale enterprises. By incorporating energy into these systems, we unlock new opportunities for income generation, value-chain development, and market access. This integrated approach fosters economic growth, creates employment, and reduces poverty, ensuring long-term sustainability. Furthermore, our project aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). By promoting renewable solutions and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, we contribute to combating climate change. The impact of the REAP project last far longer than our project implementation. The knowledge, skills, and partnerships developed throughout the project will serve as a catalyst for replication and scaling up to 2,000 hubs across Sub-Saharan Africa, fostering widespread adoption of renewable energy solutions and transformative development models. Through collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to sustainable development, REAP aims to empower rural communities, unlock their potential, and create a brighter future for all. Together, we can build resilient communities, promote Gender and Social inclusivity, and achieve a greener and more prosperous world.
Core - International Collaboration Awards
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
International Collaboration Awards enable outstanding researchers in the UK to partner with the best research groups in developing countries on projects that address issues faced by developing countries.
Royal Academy of Engineering Core - Frontiers of Engineering for Development
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
Frontiers of Engineering for Development is a series of interdisciplinary symposia that facilitates national and international collaboration to tackle global development challenges. The event brings together a select group of around 60 emerging UK and global engineering and international development leaders from industry and academia to discuss pioneering technical work and cutting-edge research for international development from a diversity of engineering fields. Seed funding is available to progress some of the best ideas coming out of the event. COVID-19
Royal Academy of Engineering Core - Higher Education Partnerships in Sub-Saharan Africa
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
The Higher Education Partnerships in sub-Saharan Africa Programme (HEP SSA) – supported by the Anglo American Group Foundation and the UK Government through the Global Challenges Research Fund – was established by the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2016, following the successful pilot scheme, Enriching Engineering Education Programme. COVID-19
DfE NI - GCRF QR funding
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
Grant to Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland to enable Northern Irish higher education institutes to carry out pre-agreed ODA-eligible activities in line with their institutional strategies. For Queen’s University Belfast in FY2019/20 this included: workshops in Cambodia, Vietnam, South Africa, and Uganda about health and education; 11 pilot projects spanning 16 eligible countries (Angola, Burundi, China, Colombia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Kosovo, Malaysia, Nigeria, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam and Zimbabwe); and additional support to GCRF and NF-funded activities. For Ulster University in FY2019/20 funding supported six pump-priming projects on: LMIC maternal, neonatal and child health; PTSD in Rwanda; Decision-Making in Policy Making in Africa and Central Asia; and hearing impairment and dementia in China.
HEFCW - GCRF QR funding
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
Additional GCRF funding to the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales to support Welsh higher education institutes (HEIs) to carry out ODA-eligible activities in line with their institutional strategies. ODA research grants do not represent the full economic cost of research and therefore additional funding is provided to Welsh HEIs in line with their research council grant income. In FY19/20 funding was allocated to Aberystwyth University, Bangor University, Cardiff University and Swansea University. In FY19/20, the funding was used to fund: the full economic cost of existing ODA eligible activities (e.g. already funded by GCRF); small ODA-eligible projects; fellowships to ODA-eligible researchers; and to increase collaboration and impact. 53 ODA-eligible countries have been reported as benefiting from the funded work, with Brazil and India the most frequently mentioned. By region, the largest number of projects were based in the LDC’s (Least Developed Countries) in Asia, South America, and East Africa, with only a few projects in the middle-income countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Georgia.
ODA BEIS analysts - cross-cutting for both ODA funds
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
ODA BEIS analysts. For the monitoring and evaluation and learning for NF and GCRF
SFC - GCRF QR funding
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
Formula GCRF funding to the Scottish Funding Council to support Scottish higher education institutes (HEIs) to carry out ODA-eligible activities in line with their three-year institutional strategies. ODA research grants do not represent the full economic cost of research and therefore additional funding is provided to Scottish HEIs in proportion to their Research Excellence Grant (REG). In FY19/20 funding was allocated to 18 Scottish higher education institutes to support existing ODA grant funding and small projects. GCRF has now supported more than 800 projects at Scottish institutions, involving over 80 developing country partners.
Global Challenges Research Fund Evaluation
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
The overall purpose of the GCRF evaluation is to assess the extent to which GCRF has achieved its objectives and contributed to its intended impacts.
Transformation Project - ODA Reporting Tool (ODART)
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
The Reporting ODA Digital Service (RODA) is the data submission, processing, reporting repository system for data on BEIS R&I ODA Eligible Programmes delivered by Delivery Partners
UUKi Delivery Support
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
These are delivery cost for shared learning workshops/training and best practice (for current and future applicants) on ODA assurance, eligibility, reporting and partnership working through either the NF and GCRF
ODA website - cross-cutting for both ODA funds
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
This is the website for NF and GCRF consortia that promotes funding calls and impact case studies as well as publishing report such as the annual report and monitoring and evaluation documentation.
Ad-hoc GCRF activity on BEIS Finance system
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
Increased contributions towards a range of research projects jointly funded with DFID, and funding for the Devolved Administrations for disbursement to universities within the devolved regions to fund the full economic cost of GCRF ODA research.
OODA GCRF and Newton Consolidation Accounts University of Exeter
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
The GNCAs represent an additional allocation from BEIS designed to reinvest in excellent UKRI Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) and Newton Fund programmes and enable them to maximise development impact. This involves instances where funding can be utilized to 9 original grant objectives affected by the ODA review, or opportunities for new follow-on, knowledge exchange or impact activities. In either case, the funding is targeted to support research along the route to achieving economic or social impact in countries on the OECD DAC list.
OODA GCRF and Newton Consolidation Accounts - Queen Mary University of London
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
The GNCAs represent an additional allocation from BEIS designed to reinvest in excellent UKRI Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) and Newton Fund programmes and enable them to maximise development impact. This involves instances where funding can be utilized to 9 original grant objectives affected by the ODA review, or opportunities for new follow-on, knowledge exchange or impact activities. In either case, the funding is targeted to support research along the route to achieving economic or social impact in countries on the OECD DAC list.