A panel discussion during the P4FP launch. Photo Credit: Zablon Oyugi
By Zablon Oyugi, November 27, 2025, SNV Rwanda, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) and supported by the IKEA Foundation, yesterday unveiled the Power for Food Partnership (P4FP) — a groundbreaking initiative that integrates renewable energy with regenerative agriculture to advance sustainable food systems. The launch took place during the opening of the Africa Energy Expo 2025 in Kigali.
Themed “Powering Regeneration – Linking Energy and Agriculture for a Sustainable Rwanda,” the event brought together over 100 stakeholders, including government officials, private sector leaders, development partners and financial institutions.
The P4FP initiative aims to connect Regenerative Agriculture (RA) with the Productive Use of Renewable Energy (PURE) — an intersection experts say is key to driving inclusive, climate-resilient rural development.
Eleanor Hartzell, Country Director of SNV Rwanda, stressed the need for integrated solutions.
“Rwanda’s future lies in an integrated approach that connects energy, food, and climate. The Power for Food Partnership brings this vision to life,” she said.
She added that the model is “simple but transformative — connecting food, energy, and climate in a way that’s practical and rooted in the realities of rural communities.”
Dr. Patrick Karangwa, Director General of Agricultural Modernization at MINAGRI, underscored policy alignment as critical to the programme’s success.
“By aligning agriculture and energy policies, we are ensuring that farmers have access not only to land and water, but also to the clean energy needed for modern, resilient food systems,” he noted.
Under P4FP, Rwanda will generate new knowledge, strengthen multi-stakeholder collaboration and embed regenerative agricultural models into national systems, ensuring longevity and scale. The launch also aligns Rwanda with a broader Africa-wide effort led by SNV and backed by the IKEA Foundation to accelerate renewable-powered regenerative agriculture.
Permanent Secretary Olivier Kamana reaffirmed this, noting that the partnership advances Rwanda’s Vision 2050, NST2, and national Green Growth Strategy.
A panel discussion featuring Dr. Karangwa; Marion Nirere from the Ministry of Infrastructure; ARC Power’s Head of Business Development, Pamela Bigirimana; and Winnie Gatarayiha, Agribusiness Manager at Bank of Kigali Group PLC, explored how energy–agriculture synergy can shape Rwanda’s sustainable future.
Stakeholders pledged commitment through collaborative Power Circles, focusing on three priority areas — LEARN (knowledge and data), LINK (partnerships) and LEVERAGE (policy and finance mobilization).
The Power for Food Partnership forms part of a multi-country programme designed to restore ecosystems, build climate-resilient agricultural systems and empower rural communities through renewable energy-driven regenerative practices.
Other organisations involved include the Highlands Center of Leadership for Development, Peace and Development Network, Energy Private Developers, Kilimo Trust and the Rwanda Climate Change and Development Network (RCCDN).
