Rwanda has unveiled bold plans to accelerate its renewable energy transition and expand electricity access during the 2025 Energy Week, a major forum that brought together government officials, investors, and development partners.
The event was organized by Energy Private Developers (EPD) in collaboration with the Government of Rwanda and international partners. It attracted investors, private companies, and policymakers eager to explore opportunities in the country’s growing energy sector.
Rwanda announced that it is targeting 100% electricity access and plans to increase the share of renewable energy to at least 60% by 2030. “Our vision is to ensure that every household and every business in Rwanda has reliable, affordable, and sustainable power by 2030,” said Infrastructure Minister Ernest Nsabimana. Authorities also highlighted efforts to reduce heavy reliance on biomass, cutting firewood and charcoal use from nearly 79% to 42% in household energy consumption.
The commitments were shared during Energy Week 2025, held in Kigali in early September, a platform designed to showcase achievements and attract fresh investments in clean energy. “Energy Week is not only about policies; it is about partnerships and real solutions that change lives,” noted Clare Akamanzi, CEO of Rwanda Development Board.
The discussions and exhibitions took place in Kigali, with delegates also visiting energy projects such as hydropower plants, solar irrigation systems, clean cooking technologies, and methane gas facilities across the country.
Rwanda’s energy demand is rapidly increasing, driven by urbanization and industrial growth. Installed capacity has already grown from 110 MW in 2014 to over 465 MW today, with more than half generated from renewables. The government aims to scale this up to 615 MW by 2030. “We cannot reach these targets without strong private sector participation,” said EPD Chairperson Jean Bosco Mugiraneza, stressing that affordability will be key to achieving universal access.
Development partners such as the World Bank, African Development Bank, and European Union have pledged continued support, offering both financial and technical assistance. A World Bank representative emphasized: “Rwanda is proving that renewable energy is not a dream for the future it is a reality today.”
Energy Week concluded with a call for stronger collaboration to ensure that ambitious targets translate into inclusive benefits for households and industries alike. As the country pushes toward its 2030 goals, renewable energy is set to remain at the center of Rwanda’s development strategy.
