Burundi has officially inaugurated the Mulembwe Hydropower Plant, marking the completion of a project that has taken nearly 12 years to deliver and adding 17MW to the country’s installed electricity generation capacity.
The inauguration ceremony took place on Tuesday in the presence of Prime Minister Nestor Ntahontuye and senior representatives from the World Bank, including Regional Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa Ndiamé Diop and Division Director Albert Zeufack.
The project follows the commissioning of the Jiji Hydropower Plant a year ago and is being seen as another significant step in strengthening Burundi’s energy sector.
The Mulembwe project was implemented through a partnership between Burundi’s national water and electricity utility REGIDESO, the Government of Burundi through the Ministry of Hydraulics, Energy and Mines (MIRMEICT), and several international financiers, including the African Development Bank, the European Investment Bank and the European Union.
According to project officials, the construction phase employed an average of around 1,000 workers, with about 80% recruited locally. The project also included skills development and training initiatives aimed at building local expertise.
World Bank Senior Energy Specialist Juliette Besnard said the inauguration marked the end of years of collaboration between government agencies, development partners and project teams.
While the completion of the infrastructure represents a major milestone, officials said ensuring the plant’s reliable operation and maintenance will be essential to securing long-term benefits for Burundi and expanding access to electricity in the country.
