Governments and international organisations are meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, to mark 10 years of the Kigali Amendment and accelerate the transition to climate-friendly refrigerants and energy-efficient cooling. The talks will focus on financing, technology and expanding access to sustainable cooling across developing economies.
KIGALI, Rwanda, 2 November 2026 : Governments, international organizations and industry representatives are gathering in Rwanda this week for the 38th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol. Sustainable cooling will be a key focus as countries seek to accelerate the transition to climate-friendly refrigerants and more energy-efficient cooling systems.
The meeting runs from 2 to 6 November and marks the tenth anniversary of the Kigali Amendment. Countries adopted the amendment in Rwanda in October 2016 to gradually reduce the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). These powerful greenhouse gases are widely used in refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment.
Rwanda’s Environment Management Authority (REMA) says the meeting will assess implementation progress and strengthen international cooperation. It will also encourage countries that have not yet ratified the amendment to join the agreement.
Full implementation of the Kigali Amendment could prevent up to 0.5°C of global warming by 2100. Moreover, improvements in cooling efficiency could increase the climate benefits. Combined action on refrigerants and energy efficiency could potentially avoid about 1°C of warming, according to the UNEP Ozone Secretariat.
Sustainable cooling and Africa’s energy demand
Cooling demand continues to grow. As a result, policymakers are paying greater attention to energy affordability, electricity demand and power-system resilience, as highlighted by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition.
For African economies, the issue extends beyond climate commitments. Reliable and affordable cooling supports food preservation, healthcare, cold-chain systems and economic development. However, inefficient equipment can increase electricity demand and operating costs.
The Kigali meeting aims to connect international commitments with practical measures to expand access to sustainable cooling. Its programme includes a technical workshop at the African Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold-chain.
It will also feature an innovation exhibition on climate-friendly technologies. In addition, a partnership forum will bring together industry, financiers and development partners.
A key issue is the link between refrigerant replacement and equipment efficiency. Reducing HFC use alone will not deliver the full climate benefits. New cooling systems must also use electricity efficiently, while operators need to manage refrigerants throughout their lifecycle.
Finance and technology in focus
The issue is also attracting renewed political and financial attention. In September, Rwanda and other government partners revived the Friends of the Kigali Amendment. The coalition aims to strengthen implementation, encourage universal ratification and promote cooperation with industry.
The coalition has identified four priorities. These include wider ratification, faster implementation, better access to finance and technology, and stronger industry partnerships.
Meanwhile, its programme includes a philanthropic fundraising goal of US$100 million to support the next decade of implementation, according to the Climate and Clean Air Coalition.
Financing will be particularly important for developing economies. The transition requires investment in new equipment, technical skills and servicing infrastructure. Countries will also need systems to recover and manage refrigerants.
Kigali talks run until 6 November
The talks continue until 6 November. Governments will consider how to accelerate HFC reductions while expanding access to affordable, energy-efficient cooling.
Ultimately, the discussions will focus on the finance, technology and technical capacity needed to turn the Kigali Amendment’s commitments into action.
