Rwanda - Disaster Risk Management Development Policy with a Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option

Overview & Synopsis

The development objective of the Disaster Risk Management Development Policy with a Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option Project is to strengthen Rwanda’s preparedness and response to disaster and health emergencies, while strengthening the resilience of its built environment and natural resources. The Cat DDO directly supports the GOR’s DRM program through three strategic pillars. Pillar 1 enhances disaster risk information and institutional coordination; Pillar 2 strengthens climate and disaster resilience of the built environment; and Pillar 3 improves natural resources management for resilience. These pillars align with the 2023 DRRM Policy and NST2 priorities, and the associated prior actions were jointly developed with relevant ministries, departments, and agencies. The Cat DDO is fully aligned with the World Bank Group’s Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for FY21–FY26. The CPF emphasizes the need to enhance resilience to climate-related risks, particularly urban flood risks exacerbated by unmanaged urban growth. The Cat DDO contributes to Objective 5 of the CPF by supporting policy reforms that reduce vulnerability and promote sustainable urban development. The operation complements other WBG operations supporting efforts to mainstream DRM and climate considerations. The design of the Rwanda Cat DDO integrates key lessons from previous operations to ensure strong ownership, coordination, and implementation.