A delegation comprising members of the Burundian government and the African Development Bank (AfDB) conducted a site visit on August 9, 2024, to assess the progress of electrification projects in Rubirizi and Kabezi, located in the Bujumbura Rural province.
These projects are either funded or co-funded by the Bank Group.
The delegation included key figures such as the Minister of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Audace Niyonzima; the Minister of Hydraulics, Energy and Mines, Ibrahim Uwizeye; and the Bank’s Country Manager for Burundi, Pascal Yembiline, accompanied by Raymond Kitandala Luhana, an energy project expert from the Bank in Burundi.
Assessing Progress and Cooperation
The delegation, joined by the Director General of the Burundi Water and Electricity Production and Distribution Authority (REGIDESO), Lieutenant-Colonel Jean Albert Manigomba, and the Project Coordinator, Ezechiel Bagayayutunze, evaluated the project’s on-ground progress.
They also acknowledged the effective collaboration between Burundi and the Bank in implementing these critical infrastructure projects, which are crucial for the development of this Great Lakes nation.
Rubirizi Transmission Substation: A Key Power Injection Point
In Rubirizi, the delegation inspected the under-construction transmission substation, part of the Kamanyola-Bujumbura Interconnection Project.
This project, co-financed by the Bank and the European Union with a total investment of $37 million, will serve as the energy injection point for the Ruzizi III regional hydroelectric power plant, also supported by Bank funding.
Boosting Power Supply and Access
With an installed capacity of 160 megawatts, this substation will be the largest in the country. It will significantly enhance the reliability and stability of the electrical network in Bujumbura, the economic capital. It will also provide operational flexibility.
Until the Ruzizi III plant is completed, this substation will connect to existing lines to distribute energy generated by national power plants.
The substation is expected to be operational by December 2024. This project will contribute to a 7% increase in the national electricity access rate and ensure a reliable power supply for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and public buildings.
Kabezi: Expanding Energy Access
In Kabezi, the delegation reviewed the progress of electrification works under Phase 1 of the Energy Access Project. This phase encompasses 36 localities across 11 provinces in Burundi.
Solely funded by the Bank and the Burundian government, this project, with a total cost of $26 million, will ultimately connect 25,000 households in the beneficiary areas, leading to improved living conditions for the population.
The first connections for new subscribers are scheduled for the first quarter of 2025.
Addressing Challenges and Reaffirming Commitment
Both parties acknowledged the progress made and the challenges ahead, including delays in the implementation schedule and the need to expedite fair compensation for all individuals affected by the projects.
The Minister of Finance expressed satisfaction with the qualitative progress and the level of work advancement.
He urged the companies and REGIDESO teams to intensify their efforts to meet the project completion deadlines.
Pascal Yembiline outlined the actions required from each party for the successful completion of the projects.
He reiterated the Bank’s willingness to support the Burundian government in developing its energy sector.
AfDB’s Continued Support to Burundi’s Energy Sector
The African Development Bank is a crucial partner for Burundi in the realm of electrical infrastructure. As of July 31, 2024, its commitment to the energy sector amounted to $147 million, financing five projects.
These include two national projects (Jiji and Mulembwe Hydropower Plants Project and Energy Access Project – Phase 1) and three regional projects (Kamanyola-Bujumbura Interconnection Project, Kigoma-Gitega Interconnection Project, and Ruzizi III Regional Hydroelectric Power Plant Project).
This support will continue through the Bank Group’s Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for Burundi for the 2024-2029 period.
The CSP aims to help the country address fragility factors and strengthen its resilience by focusing on two priority areas: supporting agricultural value chains and economic and financial governance to enhance the economy’s resilience; and strengthening energy and transport infrastructure for inclusive and green growth.