Kigali, 19th September 2017- Minister of Infrastructure, Hon. James MUSONI officiated the opening of a two-day conference and exhibition on “Renewable Energy for Sustainable Growth” organized by Energy Private Developers association in conjunction with Rwanda Development Board, among other partners.This forum serves as a platform to network, deliberate and showcase technology with an aim to scale up renewable energy.

The conference and exhibition for renewable energy is engaging private and public sector players for networking, dialogue, technology exhibition and knowledge exchange to scale-up the use of renewable energy for sustainable growth.

In his opening remarks, the Minister of Infrastructure, Hon. James MUSONI noted that renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, as well as hydropower present a huge potential to provide energy to the world adding that “these sources, if well exploited, are sufficient to meet the current energy demand in the world.”

The Minister noted also that the Government of Rwanda envisions reaching universal energy access (52% on-grid connection and 48% off-grid) by 2024, with the current rate being at 40.7% (29.5% on grid and 11.2% off-grid).

Based on the EICV4, there is around 1.5 million households yet to be connected, of which 720,000 households are to be connect using off-grid to reach universal access. As the country aims at connecting at least around 120,000 households per year, as opposed to the current 84,000 households connected each year through off-grid methods, Hon. James Musoni noted that the country needs an even stronger and more vibrant private sector.

To this regard, the Minister said that the Government of Rwanda has been very active in steering and mobilizing the private sector participation in renewable Energies. He therefore highlighted the commitment of   Government of Rwanda to facilitate cooperation in renewable energy to meet and scale up the current demand.

The Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Development Board, Clare AKAMANZI said the Government’s strategy of electrifying the entire country by 2024 shows the scale of opportunity for investments. “In the interest of Rwandans, the Government is working to increase accessibility, affordability and availability of electricity” she mentioned.

According to the Chairperson of the body, Dr.  Ivan TWAGIRASHEMA, among the areas where they are seeking partnerships is financing and technical capacities.

TWAGIRASHEMA said the Government had laid the ground for the partnership by putting in place incentives for investors.“The opportunities are viable and the Government has created a conducive business environment and put in place incentives for investors,” he said

Energy players are urged to figure out on how best the private sector can increase its role in helping the Government of Rwanda achieve the connect target and ultimately reach universal access in the near future.