Enviro News Asia, Rwanda — Singapore and Rwanda have formally opened applications for carbon credit projects under their bilateral Implementation Agreement on carbon credits cooperation, marking a new phase in international collaboration on climate mitigation aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
The call invites project developers to propose carbon mitigation initiatives to be implemented in Rwanda and authorised jointly by the governments of Singapore and Rwanda. The initiative represents Singapore’s fourth application call under similar agreements, following earlier partnerships with Ghana, Peru, and Bhutan.
Authorised projects are expected to expand Rwanda’s pipeline of carbon mitigation activities while supporting Singapore’s climate commitments through international carbon markets. The projects aim to contribute to sustainable development by creating jobs, improving access to clean water, strengthening energy security, and reducing environmental pollution in host communities.
Under Singapore’s International Carbon Credit (ICC) Framework, carbon credits generated from approved projects may be used by Singapore-based companies liable for carbon tax to offset up to five percent of their taxable emissions. The credits must meet environmental integrity requirements and comply with corresponding adjustment rules under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
The application and authorisation process consists of three stages. Applicants must first submit a concept note outlining the project design and intended methodology. The second stage requires a detailed Project Design Document and an independent validation report before both governments issue Letters of Authorisation. In the final stage, issued carbon credits undergo verification and corresponding adjustments before they are recognised as internationally transferable mitigation outcomes.
A Joint Committee co-chaired by representatives from Singapore’s National Environment Agency and the Rwanda Environment Management Authority oversees the agreement’s administration and evaluates submitted applications. Both governments assess projects based on their respective eligibility criteria, including additional safeguards to ensure environmental integrity and sustainable development benefits.
The agreement allows the use of approved methodologies from recognised carbon crediting programmes, including the Gold Standard, Verified Carbon Standard, American Carbon Registry, and Global Carbon Council. Project developers using certain methodologies must also demonstrate verified social and environmental co-benefits.
Singapore and Rwanda signed the Implementation Agreement in May 2025 as part of broader efforts to strengthen international cooperation in carbon markets. Singapore has committed to cancel a portion of authorised credits to ensure a net global emissions reduction and to channel part of the credit value toward climate adaptation measures in Rwanda.
The initiative reflects both countries’ shared objective to accelerate climate action through market-based mechanisms while supporting global emissions reductions and sustainable development. (*)
