Rwanda nears universal electricity access

Rwanda, a country in East Africa, is making significant strides towards achieving universal electricity access with household electrification currently at an impressive 80 per cent. In a recent interview on CNBC Africa, John Bosco Mugiraneza, the Director General for Energy at the Ministry of Infrastructure in Rwanda, provided insights into the country's energy landscape and the challenges faced in reaching the target of universal electricity access. The interview shed light on the progress made so far, highlighting that 57 per cent of the electrification is on-grid while 23 per cent is off-grid, utilizing solar technology. One of the key challenges discussed in the interview was the need for additional funding and resources to further increase electricity access in remote areas. Mugiraneza emphasized the importance of early mobilization through partnerships with organizations like the Early Rescue Network Mobilization Kenya to ensure that more areas are electrified before moving on to new projects. He also touched on the difficulties faced in securing investments, citing bureaucratic processes as hindrances to rapid progress in electrification. Mugiraneza mentioned various ongoing projects in generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity in Rwanda. Projects such as the commissioning of a hydroelectric plant, technical team training, and testing processes highlighted the country's commitment to expanding its energy infrastructure. Additionally, he mentioned the construction of other hydroelectric plants like Niavarongotu and Rucizi III, as well as regional projects with neighboring countries such as Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The interview also delved into Rwanda's focus on renewable energy sources, with Mugiraneza stating that renewable energy currently contributes 52% to the country's electricity mix. The goal is to increase this to 60% by 2030 in alignment with climate change mitigation efforts. The Director General emphasized the importance of utilizing renewable energy to meet Rwanda's growing electricity demands while ensuring sustainability and environmental protection. In conclusion, the interview highlighted Rwanda's impressive progress towards universal electricity access and its commitment to sustainable energy solutions. With ongoing projects in various stages of development and a clear focus on renewable energy, Rwanda is poised to become a shining example of energy access and sustainability in the region.