Burundi signed a $1.4 billion energy partnership in Bujumbura on 15 October 2026 to expand the nation’s power infrastructure. Officials designed this agreement to increase electricity access across the country to more than 50 percent. The project represents a significant investment in the national grid to address current power shortages. By prioritizing electrification, the initiative seeks to improve energy reliability for residents and businesses throughout Burundi. Stakeholders finalized the deal following extended negotiations to secure funding for the sector. The program focuses on reaching remote areas that currently lack consistent power supply.
Infrastructure Expansion and Goals
Engineers plan to build and upgrade 52,000 kilometres of electricity distribution lines under the new partnership. This extensive network expansion serves as the primary technical mechanism to stabilize the national grid and extend reach into underserved regions.
The initiative aims to provide electricity access to approximately eight million people across Burundi. By connecting these households and businesses to the upgraded infrastructure, the government expects to bridge the existing gap in power supply. These efforts target both urban centers and remote communities to ensure broad coverage. The scale of this construction project represents a shift in national energy capacity, focusing on long-term reliability for the population. Officials confirmed these targets on 15 October 2026 as part of the broader $1.4 billion agreement.
Current Energy Landscape Challenges
Burundi’s current on-grid electrification rate is estimated at approximately 15 percent. This figure notes the limited reach of the existing power network, which currently relies on an installed electricity generation capacity of approximately 183 MW.
Dr. Hassan Kibeya, Burundi’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Energy, Industry, Trade and Tourism, noted the necessity of the new partnership. "This partnership addresses one of Burundi’s most important infrastructure priorities by expanding and strengthening our electricity distribution network," Dr. Hassan Kibeya stated. "With Burundi’s installed generation capacity at approximately 183 MW, our focus must now be on ensuring that existing and future generation can be delivered to more homes, businesses and productive sectors across the country. Reliable electricity will power Burundi’s industries, enable local processing of critical minerals, and fuel sustainable economic growth."
Economic Impact and Employment
Project planners anticipate the creation of more than 2,000 direct jobs and over 30,000 indirect employment opportunities throughout the implementation phase. The partnership between the Government of Burundi and Weza Power functions as a 25-year concession to manage and expand the utility infrastructure. Anzana Electric Group has maintained a presence in Burundi since 2018, operating through its subsidiary, Songa Energy.
President Évariste Ndayishimiye emphasized the broader economic goals of the initiative. "Electricity is the foundation of Burundi’s economic transformation and a key pillar of our Vision 2040-2060 ambitions," he stated. "This partnership will expand opportunities for our people, strengthen our industries, and create conditions for investment, jobs and lasting prosperity. It proves what can be achieved when government and private sector partners unite behind a shared national vision."
Brian Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of Anzana Electric Group and Weza Power, described the agreement as a significant milestone. "Today’s signing reflects years of trust, determination and a shared commitment to building a true win-win partnership, made possible by the tireless work of the many teams, including our co-developers at IFC, who brought this vision to life," he said. "This PPP will strengthen Burundi’s ability to compete, attract investment and retain more value from its own resources. Reliable electricity will give businesses the confidence to invest, enable critical industries to grow, and unlock more of the country’s economic potential at home."
Babacar Sedikh Faye, World Bank Group Country Manager for Burundi, noted the institutional alignment of the project. "This partnership directly supports the World Bank Group’s strategic priorities and the objectives of Mission 300," he said. "Burundi is demonstrating how governments, development partners, and the private sector can collaborate to deliver impact at scale. Mobilizing private capital is essential to creating jobs and expanding opportunities for Burundian families and communities to improve their livelihoods."