Kigali, 12th September 2017- The completion of the construction of Nyabarongo hydropower project is one such landmark that promises to provide the residents with reliable power. The project is the largest hydropower installation in Rwanda, to date contributing more than 28MW of electricity to the national grid.

The development of a modernized energy system for developing countries especially has been a significant challenge to energy utilities. Therefore, the completion of such a mega project in Rwanda should give African economies hope and reassurance on why it is important to invest in the energy industry.

It is clear that the progressive use of diesel generators in rural areas as a main source of electrification is continuously becoming unsuitable and very expensive; hence taking on Rwanda’s example of investing in clean energy is yet another lesson for many African economies.

The Nyabarongo project is an indicator of how Rwanda takes the energy sector as an important pillar towards economic development.

Consequently, there is hope that continuous investment in the energy sector and the introduction of new technologies that focus mainly on renewable energy systems will make Rwanda a conducive place to do business by availing uninterrupted power supply.

There is evidence that Nyabarongo power plant is already bringing a new ray of hope, confidence and security in terms of rural electrification, making it very imperative for Rwanda to continue investing in its energy sector.

The partnership between Import Export Bank of India (EXIM Bank) and the Government of Rwanda which made the construction of this mega plant by Angelique International Limited and Bharat Heavy Electrical Limited (BHEL) possible is now helping shape the country’s social economic structures through increased power connectivity.

Therefore, what this tells us is that investing in energy projects can be more productive when all stake holders make a contribution.

Mr. Ravu Venugopala Rao, the Vice President, Angelique International Limited recently said that “The completion of Rwanda’s mega power plant at Nyabarongo water falls is a boon for the people of Rwanda by all standards, there is therefore no price tag one can put on the project that has cost the country more than $110 million.

There is no doubt that embracing such partnerships is the most strategic way to developing a well-defined policy on the implementation of the rural electrification strategy, with specific guidelines blocking risks or unfavorable effects.

Meanwhile such a project will help the Government of Rwanda maintain a share of more than 50% renewable electricity generation as a percentage of total electricity generation.