A new video, “Rwanda’s Journey Towards Sustainable Refrigeration”, is now available, documenting the activities and results of the project “Rwanda – Strengthen Capacity for Sustainable Cooling and Refrigeration” and giving a direct voice to the institutions, trainers and technicians involved.
Running from September 2024 to August 2026, the project is funded by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) / UNEP, implemented by the Istituto per la Cooperazione Universitaria (ICU), with the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) as project partner and in collaboration with Centro Studi Galileo (CSG).
The video shows how international cooperation has translated into practical capacity building for Rwanda’s refrigeration and air-conditioning sector. One of the central activities was the technical training mission held from 18 to 20 May 2026 at the ACES Centre of Excellence, followed by a stakeholder workshop on 21 May. The training was delivered by Madi Sakandé, master instructor from Centro Studi Galileo.
Through testimonials from participants, the video highlights the practical impact of the programme. Technicians explain how the training strengthened their knowledge of climate-friendly refrigerants, good refrigeration practices, leak prevention, recovery and energy efficiency, while also providing hands-on experience in procedures such as evacuation and brazing.
The project responded to the need to increase technical capacity in a sector that is becoming increasingly important for Rwanda’s economic and social development. Sustainable cooling supports food preservation, healthcare, the cold chain, building comfort and industrial activities, while the transition required by the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol makes appropriate skills and safe refrigerant management essential.
Safety, servicing procedures and the responsible handling of refrigerants were therefore central elements of the training. Participants worked on recovery, charging, leak detection, diagnostics and maintenance, alongside the management of risks linked to flammability, toxicity and high pressures.
The video also looks beyond technical training. It highlights the importance of the partnership between ICU and REMA, supported by CCAC/UNEP, and refers to financing mechanisms that can help accelerate sustainable cooling, including results-based financing, partial credit guarantees, pay-as-you-go models, blended finance and green bonds.
The initiative ultimately aims to strengthen national expertise and support the development of a more skilled and resilient refrigeration sector, capable of contributing to Rwanda’s implementation of the Kigali Amendment and its wider climate ambitions.
FOLLOW THE PROJECT
Centro Studi Galileo (CSG)
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centrogalileo
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/centro-studi-galileo/
ICU
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ICUonlus/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icu-it/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icu_ong/
- Instagram ICU Rwanda: https://www.instagram.com/icu_rwanda_/
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Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC)
- X: https://x.com/ccacoalition
- Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/ccacoalition
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/CCACoalition
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA)
- X: https://x.com/REMA_Rwanda
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rema_rwanda/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/remainfo/
Further information: info@icu.it | corsi@centrogalileo.it