Kigali, February 18, 2016 –During the Energy Business Dialogue, The Minister of State in charge of Energy and Water in the Ministry of infrastructure Germaine KAMAYIRESE encouraged Private sector partners to invest heavily in the development of different energy sources.

The Dialogue was organized by Energy Private Developers Association “EPD” which consolidates more than 90 private companies providing energy services countrywide. It aimed at sharing all necessary information that could attract more investment in energy by private sector, and reach the government target of generating 563 MW by 2018.

Participants in the Dialogue including: Private Sector, Government institutions, Developments Partners and other stakeholders discussed investment and financial opportunities in Energy sector in Rwanda.

In her opening remarks, Honorable Germaine KAMAYIRESE said that, the growth of energy sector in Rwanda plays a paramount role in the country’s economic growth that is emerging progressively. “Much as the Government is investing heavily in the development of different energy sources (hydro, methane gas, geothermal and peat), private sector participation is also being encouraged to take part in the phases of any  project cycle, namely design, build, finance, maintenance and operations.

” She said
Moreover, Honorable KAMAYIRESE applauds the vital role that private sector has played in supporting government energy development at all levels, She also pledges that the government will continue to consult private sector on new initiatives such as the rural electrification strategy in the final stages of development.

Dr Ivan TWAGIRASHEMA EPD - Chairman said that, the main purpose of consolidation is to join their efforts in terms of electrifying as many households as possible in a short period of time as well as to collaborate easily with the government. “It is significant for private companies to merge efforts to speak with one voice; this makes the process easier for the government to coordinate with private sector efficiently.”

He highlights that with the successful Public Private Partnership put in place they will move faster towards attaining energy sector projections that will fasten development through industrial and agricultural sectors.

In last three months, the government of Rwanda in partnership with private sector signed power purchase and concession agreements with different firms to enhance energy generation. These firms include: SYMBION POWER which will produce 50MW from Lake Kivu Methane gas, IGNITE to provide solar energy solutions to 250,000 households and a Turkish Firm HAKAN to operate and transfer a 80MW Peat power plant to produce electricity.

The government future engagement with the private sector is to be guided by key principles including: Competitiveness, stability and transparency.