Energy Business Opportunity Report

Rwanda is making significant progress in achieving its goal of universal access to electricity by 2024. The country is transitioning from aid to trade and seeks to develop equitable relationships with other countries. The Rwandan government has set ambitious targets in its Energy Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP) for 2018/2019-2023/2024 to reach universal access to energy and generate 52% of energy from renewable sources. Currently, 72% of productive users in Rwanda have access to energy, with 38% of the population connected to the grid and 14% connected to off-grid lines. The main challenge is to reach low-income households in remote areas, but the government is making progress in expanding energy infrastructure. Rwanda has an installed capacity of 224.6 megawatt from various energy sources, and an additional 19.95 megawatt from off-grid sources, mostly from Solar Home Systems (SHS). The ESSP targets a combined on-grid and off-grid capacity of 556 megawatt by 2023/2024. These developments offer investment opportunities for both local and foreign businesses in the energy sector.

Significant market opportunities arise in off-grid electrification in Rwanda, with approximately 34 percent (around 1.2 million households) still requiring connection by 2024. The government has empowered the private sector to lead this rapid expansion. In on-grid electrification, infrastructure development and equipment opportunities arise from improving and expanding transmission lines. Technical support, project design, and technician training are additional areas of opportunity. Regarding clean cooking, the private sector will play a vital role, supported by the government in creating an enabling environment. This collaborative effort aims to identify and address barriers, promoting competition, and fostering innovation in both technologies and business models.

Download the TRAIDE Rwanda report for more information on investment opportunities in the Rwandan Energy Sector and how to tap into these exciting opportunities. Reach out to TRAIDE Rwanda if you need more information at [email protected].