Burundi to Expand Power Grid with $1.4B International Support

AFRICAN BUSINESS AND ECONOMYOctober 25, 2024 at 12:24 PM UTC

TLDR

Burundi to expand power grid with $1.4 billion funding, aims to bring electricity to 300,000 rural people by 2024, reaching 9 million by 2030.
Weza Power, a subsidiary of Anzana Electric Group, to extend national grid in Burundi with plans for over 1,800 kilometers of power lines in 2022 and 20,000 kilometers by 2030.
Project supported by World Bank, US Power Africa, and UK's Gridworks with focus on hydroelectric projects for sustainable energy generation.

Burundi is set to expand its power grid next year with $1.4 billion in funding from international agencies, aiming to bring electricity to 300,000 people in rural areas by 2024 and reach 9 million by 2030.

The government partnered with Weza Power, a subsidiary of Anzana Electric Group, to extend the national grid in the East African nation, where only 10% of the population currently has electricity access.

Anzana CEO Brian Kelly confirmed plans to build over 1,800 kilometers of power lines next year, expanding to 20,000 kilometers by 2030. Most new power generation will come from hydroelectric projects, with 200 megawatts expected by 2027. The project has support from major organizations, including the World Bank, US government’s Power Africa, and the UK’s Gridworks Development Partners.

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Key Takeaways

Burundi’s power grid expansion addresses urgent energy needs in one of Africa’s most densely populated and low-electrification countries. The initiative underscores a push to attract private and international support, enabling access for millions and providing resilience against climate impacts that have displaced tens of thousands.

Burundi

World Bank

Economy

Power

Energy Access

Electricity