Africa Energy Expo is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC

Informa
Informa

Rwanda's Energy Landscape

Installed capacity (MW) Source: Energy Information Administration (EIA)


Attributes

Rwanda's energy sector is primarily powered by hydroelectricity, which accounts for over 50% of the country's energy supply (World Bank). However, Rwanda still faces challenges in meeting the energy needs of its growing population, with only about 29% of the population having access to electricity as of 2019 (International Energy Agency).

To address this issue, Rwanda has set ambitious targets for expanding access to electricity and has made significant progress in recent years. The government has implemented various initiatives to promote renewable energy, including the installation of off-grid solar systems in rural areas and the construction of mini-hydro power plants(International Energy Agency) Rwanda's electrification rate is at 38.2 rurally and 86.2 in urban areas..

Rwanda also aims to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels and has set a goal of generating 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2024 (Government of Rwanda). To achieve this goal, the government is investing in various renewable energy projects, including a 42 MW hydroelectric power plant on the Nyabarongo River and a 9.4 MW solar power plant in the eastern part of the country (Renewable Energy World).

Economic landscape

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Rwanda's economy has remained resilient and is expected to continue its growth trajectory in the coming years. The government's efforts to promote renewable energy and attract investment are expected to contribute significantly towards this growth. (World Bank)

As the global economy recovers from the pandemic, Rwanda's GDP growth is projected to increase, with a growth rate of 5.1% expected in 2022 and 5.8% in 2023. (African Development Bank) The country's economy is also expected to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area, which offers opportunities for increased trade and investment across the continent.

Although Rwanda's inflation rate has seen a slight increase in recent years, the government has implemented various policies to manage inflation and maintain macroeconomic stability. (Trading Economics) With continued efforts towards sustainable economic growth, Rwanda is poised for a brighter future.

Opportunities

Rwanda's energy sector presents opportunities for growth and development, particularly in the renewable energy space. The government's initiatives to promote renewable energy and expand access to electricity have created opportunities for increased economic growth and development.

Rwanda's goal of generating 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2024 has created opportunities for investments in various renewable energy projects. The government's investments in renewable energy, including a 42 MW hydroelectric power plant on the Nyabarongo River and a 9.4 MW solar power plant in the eastern part of the country, are expected to create opportunities for increased economic growth and development. (Renewable Energy World)

Moreover, Rwanda's energy landscape presents opportunities for foreign investors. The government has implemented various regulatory reforms aimed at attracting more investment, leading to an increase in foreign direct investment in the energy sector. (World Bank) With continued investment in renewable energy and a favorable investment climate, Rwanda is poised to become a significant player in the energy sector.