The National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) indicates that in 2022, 47.1% of households had access to electricity from the national grid, 28.4% relied on flashlights, and 13.9% used solar power.
What’s more, 4.2% used firewood for lighting, 2.9% depended on candles, 1.6% used kerosene lamps, and 1.3% used generators.Electricity is considered a critical element that propels the development of both individuals and the country as a whole.
According to electricity distribution data, Kigali City has the highest percentage of electrified households at 89.7%, followed by the Eastern Province with 57.6%, Northern Province at 54.1%, Western Province at 56.7%, and Southern Province at 55.1%.
The report emphasizes that Rwanda has 3,312,743 households and a total population of 13,246,394, with 74% of households having access to electricity.Rwanda is making noteworthy progress in expanding electricity access for its citizens to help alleviate poverty, create jobs, and improve access to technology.
Electricity offers citizens convenient access to various activities, such as lighting, charging phones, and engaging in income-generating activities like welding, woodworking, hairdressing, milling, and other tasks that help them overcome isolation and enhance their livelihoods.
At the recent National Dialogue held in early 2024, Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente announced that the percentage of electrified households in Rwanda reached 74%, a major rise from 34% seven years prior. Besides, there is a goal for all Rwandans to have electricity by the end of 2024.
Despite the fast growth of grid-based electricity supply throughout Rwanda, the nation is also expanding its renewable energy sources, including solar power, hydropower, and methane gas.According to statistics provided by NISR in 2023, the capacity of hydropower plants in Rwanda is steadily increasing.
For instance, the Ntaruka Power Plant generated 28,210,700 kWh of electricity in 2020, which climbed to 33,212,000 kWh by 2022, demonstrating a three-year increase of 5,001,300 kWh.In 2020, the Mukungwa I Power Plant produced 55,063,465 kWh, rising to 64,886,161 kWh by 2022. Similarly, Mukungwa II Power Plant generated 18,812,940 kWh in 2020, which increased to 21,673,371 kWh in 2022.Rwanda boasts a total of 30 large and small hydropower plants, three solar power facilities, five wind energy plants, two methane gas plants, and two peat energy plants.
These facilities generated 790,178,601.36 kWh of electricity in 2020, which increased to 1,033,762,056.06 kWh by 2022.In 2002, only 5% of households had access to electricity, which grew to 17.9% in 2012, 61% in 2022, and 74% in 2024.The report covering the years 2017–2022 displays the progress made across districts in providing electricity to residents.
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