More than one in five vehicles recently tested in Rwanda failed to meet the nation’s new emissions standards, according to the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA).
Between 25 August and 31 October 2025, a total of 9,118 vehicles underwent inspection at the country’s four automobile-testing centres (in Remera, Musanze, Rwamagana, and Huye). Of these, 22.6 per cent failed the emissions test.
REMA’s testing framework differentiates between diesel and petrol vehicles. Diesel-engine cars are assessed by measuring exhaust smoke opacity, while petrol-powered vehicles undergo chemical analysis of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide.
Vehicles exceeding the set emission limits are classified as non-compliant and must either undergo remedial maintenance or be barred from certification.
Rwanda’s transport sector is under increasing scrutiny. A previous REMA assessment found that roughly 80 per cent of tested vehicles were emitting significant greenhouse gases, mainly because more than 95 per cent of Rwanda’s car fleet consists of vehicles older than ten years.
Moreover, a separate study found that older registered vehicles (pre-1999), although representing about 28.6 per cent of the fleet, contributed over half of all NOₓ emissions from motor transport.
REMA notes that vehicle emissions are a key driver of poor air quality in urban areas. In Kigali, ambient particulate matter (PM₂.₅) levels have already been found to exceed international health guidance limits by up to 5 times.
Rwanda is combining new inspection regimes with fiscal and regulatory signals; for example, fines for non-compliance can reach up to RWF 5 million under an August 2025 ministerial order for serious cases.
Rwanda is already exploring electric-vehicle adoption, stricter emissions codes, and intelligent fleet management. But transitional challenges, such as aging fleets and limited servicing infrastructure, remain.
The emissions-testing programme is already capable of processing 150–200 vehicles daily across its four centres. REMA aims to integrate emission testing into routine mechanical inspections for all vehicles.
The government has announced plans to begin emissions testing for motorcycles and mopeds, which have historically been major unregulated contributors to urban air pollution.
