Ministers responsible for energy from Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi gathered in Ngara, Tanzania, on November 15 for the 16th Council of Infrastructure Ministerial Meeting to assess the progress of the highly anticipated Rusumo Hydropower Project. The 80-megawatt hydropower facility, which is nearing 99% completion, is poised to significantly enhance energy production across the three East African nations, providing 27 megawatts of electricity to each country.
Set to be completed in early 2025, the project is expected to provide electricity to over a million households in the region. The plant’s adaptive design is also prepared to address potential changes in water levels along the Akagera River, ensuring continued power generation even during periods of lower water availability.
Jean Bosco Muhire, a senior engineer at the Rusumo site, confirmed that the turbines are currently operating smoothly, generating 27 megawatts each. He stated that only minor adjustments remain, with the project on track for completion by the end of this year. “Our systems are performing as expected, and we are confident that the project will be ready to deliver energy by early next year,” he said.
Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Jimmy Gasore, emphasized the broader impacts of the $340 million initiative, highlighting not only its role in boosting power generation but also the infrastructure development it has spurred. “The Rusumo project is not just about hydropower; it’s about fostering sustainable development. Alongside the plant, we’ve built schools, clinics, and youth centers. This project will help us achieve our goal of ensuring 100% household electricity access across the country,” Gasore remarked.
The hydropower plant is part of a larger regional effort to improve electricity access and bolster economic development in East Africa. The transmission lines that will carry electricity from the Rusumo plant span across the three countries, with routes extending 94 kilometers to Nyakanazi (Tanzania), 161 kilometers to Kigali (Rwanda), and 194 kilometers to Bujumbura (Burundi).
The World Bank has provided the primary financing for the Rusumo Hydropower Project, while the African Development Bank (AfDB) has contributed $121 million for the construction of the transmission lines. This infrastructure will not only serve the three nations but also provide electricity to the future Bugesera airport in Rwanda, which is still under construction.
The project has already had a positive impact on the local communities, with several infrastructure improvements, including feeder roads and water pipelines. According to Tanzanian officials, the Rusumo project is an example of how regional cooperation can deliver lasting benefits. “This initiative is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together,” said Tanzania’s Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister, Dr. Doto Biteko. “The benefits extend far beyond electricity, enhancing the lives of people across the region.”
In Rwanda, the project includes the construction of a model village for families relocated from the project site, the rehabilitation of 30 kilometers of roads in Kirehe District, and the development of water supply systems for more than 10,000 people in surrounding areas. These efforts are expected to stimulate economic growth and increase private sector investment while improving access to vital public services.
With the Rusumo Hydropower Project nearing its final stages, officials are optimistic about the long-term positive impact it will have on energy security and regional integration in East Africa.
