Rwanda poised to attract investors through the International Energy Development Expo in Africa

Starting this Monday, November 4, 2024, Rwanda is hosting an international expo on energy development in Africa, expected to bring substantial investment opportunities in the country’s energy sector. This three-day event aims to drive economic growth by attracting new investors in clean energy, aligning with Rwanda’s commitment to environmental conservation and the government’s green energy initiatives.

The expo was officially opened by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA), Olivier Kabera, and is attended by prominent leaders, including ministers responsible for energy across Africa. Key players in the energy industry, stakeholders, and the public with a keen interest in Africa’s journey towards sustainable electricity are also in attendance.

In his opening remarks, Minister Kabera emphasized the expo’s potential to yield tangible results in Rwanda’s energy sector, noting that it will contribute to the fight against climate change and further the country’s commitment to sustainable development.

"This is a major African summit uniting energy stakeholders. We expect it to provide solutions to Rwanda’s electricity needs. As the Rwandan government continues to advance its National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) targets, this expo provides us with a unique opportunity to connect with partners and investors willing to support our goals over the next five years," Kabera stated.

The Ministry of Infrastructure has set an ambitious goal of delivering universal electricity access to households and business facilities by 2030, with 60% of this power sourced from renewable energy, especially solar and hydroelectricity. Currently, data from the Rwanda Energy Group (REG) indicates that 77.7% of households have electricity access, a significant increase from 34% in 2017.

This expo underscores Rwanda’s growing role as a promising investment hub for clean energy initiatives, creating an attractive landscape for investors and paving the way for further economic progress amid global efforts to combat environmental challenges.