The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is set to host a Sustainable Innovation Series event in Kigali, Rwanda this December.

The landmark event, focusing on “A Just Transition for Africa”, will welcome leading voices from across the continent for discussions around decarbonisation, policy and regulation around used vehicles, and sustainable tourism. It will form part of the FIA’s wider Sustainable Innovation Series.

The afternoon’s sessions will be opened by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the Hon. Minister of Environment Dr Valentine Uwamariya, and Rwanda Automobile Club President Christian Gakwaya – setting the scene for a wide-ranging discussion focused on the urgency of decarbonisation and sustainability within Africa.

The Hon. Minister of Trade and Industry Prudence Sebahizi will also speak at the event.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “I am delighted to announce this exciting event. The FIA is committed to pursuing a safe, sustainable, and inclusive mobility and motorsport future, and Africa will play a key role in our efforts to achieve this. This event will help us to explore what that future looks like, and to open up opportunities for collaboration and cooperation.”

Rwanda has already made significant strides to promote sustainability within the region. Just last month, the country launched its Climate and Nature Finance Strategy – further bolstering Rwanda’s existing investment in EV subsidies, clean energy interventions, and biodiversity conservation.

Hon. Minister of Environment Dr Valentine Uwamariya said: “As part of the Country’s climate action plan, Rwanda aims to reduce emissions by 38% by 2030.We are committed to shift to electric vehicles as an effective approach to promote green mobility, reduce emissions and contribute to a healthy planet.”

FIA Member Club Rwanda Automobile Club is supporting the event. Club President, Christian Gakwaya, said: “Hosting this Sustainable Innovation Series event in Rwanda is a milestone for our continent and a testament to our shared commitment to driving sustainable innovation in mobility. As Africa experiences unprecedented growth and development, this is the right time to come together and address the challenges and opportunities of sustainable transportation. We are honored to welcome experts, policymakers, and visionaries from across Africa and beyond to join forces in shaping a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive future for transportation. Together, we can pave the way for transformative solutions that meet the needs of today while preserving our planet for generations to come.”

The Conference will take place during the FIA General Assemblies week in Kigali, Rwanda, and will welcome representatives from the Federation’s 243 Member Clubs for wide-ranging discussions about the future of sport, mobility and road safety around the world and across our Championships.

Sustainability will be a key topic of discussion at the General Assemblies week. In 2020, the Federation committed to reducing its carbon footprint by 50% by 2030 and achieving net zero across its World Championships by 2040. The FIA has made significant progress against these goals – including integrating sustainability requirements across World Championships, expanding its Environmental Accreditation programme and implementing a roadmap to power all race cars with sustainable energies by 2027. 

The Sustainable Innovation Series event will be open to the public – both online and in person, at the Kigali Convention Centre. Registrations are available here.