The government of Burundi has officially inaugurated the Jiji hydroelectric power plant, a major step in the country’s efforts to increase access to electricity and reduce dependence on imported energy. The event took place in Bururi province and was attended by President Évariste Ndayishimiye, along with national officials and representatives from development partners that co-financed the project.
Jiji is the first of two hydroelectric plants being developed in the region, with the second, Mulembwe, set to become operational in the next few months. Once complete, the Jiji and Mulembwe hydroelectric plants will have a combined installed capacity of 49.5MWand are expected to produce 235GWh of electricity annually. This output is expected to supply power to 15,000 households, 7,000 businesses, and 1,700 industrial facilities across the country.
The project cost a total of $320 million and was financed through a partnership between the government of Burundi and several international institutions, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the World Bank (WB), and the European Union (EU).
Pascal Yembiline, AfDB Country Manager in Burundi, said: “As a longstanding partner of Burundi, the African Development Bank is proud to have contributed to the implementation of this infrastructure project, which is fully in line with its strategic priorities, the Hi-5s. We are convinced that this flagship infrastructure will increase access to reliable and affordable energy and help create a sustainably prosperous Burundi.”
Edward Claessen, Head of the EIB Regional Hub for East Africa, stated: “The fact that the Jiji and Mulembwe dam project is a renewable energy project, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, is particularly significant. Our financing for this project formed part of the European Union’s strategy to develop clean, sustainable infrastructure in Africa and is also aligned with decarbonisation efforts needed by companies to grow.”
World Bank Representative in Burundi Hawa Cisse Wagué added: “The Jiji hydroelectric power plant and the lines and substations built as part of the project are not infrastructure like any other. This infrastructure helps ensure Burundi’s economic and social development. It is a key driver to improve people’s access to energy as well as supporting industrialisation, job creation and economic growth.”
EU Ambassador to Burundi Elisabetta Pietrobon said: “Energy remains a central priority in development and thus in EU cooperation. This is why the European Union, its Member States and its institutions have supported this project from the very beginning, including funding for the various design and implementation phases, right up to the deployment of infrastructure and equipment.”
The development partners also reiterated their continued support for Burundi’s long-term goals, which include becoming an emerging economy by 2040 and a developed country by 2060.
The project has generated several hundred jobs since construction began, contributing to local economic growth and workforce development. Officials said the operational launch of the Jiji plant is expected to create more opportunities in the energy sector and related industries. Improved access to electricity is also expected to support sectors such as health, education, agribusiness, and information technology.
Officials noted that the availability of reliable and affordable power could improve conditions for small and medium-sized enterprises and help attract more investment to the country.
