KIGALI – The World Food Programme (WFP) has received a contribution of over USD 666,000 (around RWF 970 million) from the Government of Japan to provide lifesaving food assistance to refugees, asylum seekers, and returnees in Rwanda. The announcement was made at a ceremony in Kigali attended by Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Nakajo, Rwanda’s Permanent Secretary for Emergency Management Ngoga Aristarque, and WFP Country Director Andrea Bagnoli.
WFP highlighted that the support will enable the delivery of essential food and nutrition assistance to over 21,000 vulnerable people. This includes supplementary nutrition for infants and young children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and individuals living with HIV or tuberculosis, helping to prevent malnutrition and safeguard health.
Currently, WFP assists approximately 130,000 refugees and asylum seekers in Rwanda, primarily from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Burundi, through in-kind food and cash support. Renewed fighting in eastern DRC in December 2025 prompted over 1,000 new arrivals in Rwanda, who received hot meals and specialized nutritious foods. Japan’s contribution will strengthen WFP’s ability to respond rapidly to evolving humanitarian needs in the region.
Ambassador Nakajo emphasized Japan’s ongoing commitment to Human Security, supporting initiatives that ensure people can live with dignity, free from fear and want. Since 2020, Japan has provided more than USD 9 million (about RWF 13 billion) to WFP operations in Rwanda, reflecting a longstanding partnership in humanitarian assistance.
