European Investment Bank Supports Burundi's Energy Self-Sufficiency

Strategic Insights -

The President of the Republic of Burundi officially inaugurated the Jiji hydroelectric power plant, marking a key step forward in the country's pursuit of energy self-sufficiency. The plant, located in Bururi province, is a large-scale infrastructure that was co-financed by development partners including the African Development Bank, the European Investment Bank, the World Bank, and the European Union. With the Mulembwe plant to be completed in the coming months, the two plants will have an installed capacity of 49.5 megawatts and estimated annual production of 235 gigawatt hours of clean energy, providing electricity to 15,000 households, 7,000 businesses, and 1,700 industrial facilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Jiji hydroelectric power plant is a key step forward in Burundi's pursuit of energy self-sufficiency, with an installed capacity of 49.5 megawatts and estimated annual production of 235 gigawatt hours of clean energy.
  • The construction of the two plants, with a total cost of $320 million, was made possible through strong cooperation between the Burundi government and development partners, including the African Development Bank, the European Investment Bank, the World Bank, and the European Union.
  • The plants will provide electricity to 15,000 households, 7,000 businesses, and 1,700 industrial facilities, improving access to electricity for thousands of people and boosting productivity in key sectors such as health, education, agribusiness, and ICT.
  • The project is fully aligned with the African Development Bank's strategic priorities, the Hi-5s, and is also part of the European Union's strategy to develop clean, sustainable infrastructure in Africa.
  • The project has created several hundred jobs, boosting the local economy while strengthening the technical capacities of the surrounding communities.
  • The-entry into operation of the plant marks the beginning of a new cycle of opportunities, both in the energy sector and in other strategic areas, and will create a trusting environment for investors, both domestic and foreign.

Statistics:

  • The two plants have an installed capacity of 49.5 megawatts.
  • The plants have an estimated annual production of 235 gigawatt hours of clean energy.
  • The project has a total cost of $320 million.
  • The plants will provide electricity to 15,000 households, 7,000 businesses, and 1,700 industrial facilities.
  • The project has created several hundred jobs.
  • Burundi aims to become an emerging country by 2040 and a developed country by 2060.

Sources:

  • European Investment Bank Press Release
  • African Development Bank Press Release
  • World Bank Press Release
  • European Union Press Release