On November 5, Britam Insurance partnered with Nyarugenge district authorities and residents in a community tree-planting exercise in Mageragere Sector, where 1,000 of the 10,000 pledged trees were planted.
The company has committed to planting 1.5 million trees across Rwanda over the next five years, in partnership with local governments and residents.
The activity is part of Britam’s broader national reforestation campaign supporting Rwanda’s green growth strategy aimed at creating climate-resilient spaces by restoring vegetation cover in densely populated areas.
The initiative reflects a growing partnership between the private sector, local government, and communities to advance national climate goals and build greener cities.
According to Alexis Ingangare, the Nyarugenge District Executive Administrator, the exercise was directly linked to the district’s annual performance contract, which prioritizes environmental protection.
“This partnership is rooted in what our citizens requested. They participated from the planning to the planting, and because they initiated it, we expect they will protect these trees. We want to see Nyarugenge become greener through joint community efforts,” he explained.
The mayor noted that Britam has pledged to donate 10,000 trees to the district, to be planted progressively across Mageragere and surrounding areas. He emphasized that the collaboration demonstrates how private companies can contribute to public development goals.
“The private sector plays a crucial role in expanding our capacity to meet reforestation targets. This is how shared responsibility translates into tangible action,” he noted.
For Britam, the event forms part of a wider sustainability agenda designed to strengthen climate resilience while supporting national reforestation efforts.
Britam’s CEO Andrew Kulayige said the motivation goes beyond corporate social responsibility. “Global warming is real, and as a company we have a responsibility to participate in reducing its effects. Planting trees purifies the air and absorbs carbon emissions, but the key is to make this effort sustainable,” he said.
To ensure long-term impact, Britam has adopted a digital monitoring tool known as Ecoforest, which tracks each tree planted. It provides for mapping, monitoring and replacing any trees that fail to grow thereby ensuring accountability and measurable environmental impact.
Julie Mutoni, the Board Director at Britam highlighted the broader significance of the initiative. “Tree planting might seem simple, but it carries a lasting impact. These trees will improve air quality, restore soil fertility, and help urban areas adapt to climate change,” she said.
She explained that the goal is to integrate sustainability into every part of our business, aligning with Rwanda’s green growth strategy and the UN sustainable development goals.
The campaign symbolizes a broader shift toward urban environmental stewardship, one built on cooperation, accountability, and a shared purpose. This is another step in Rwanda’s drive to make its cities greener, cleaner, and more resilient for generations to come.
