Burundi Inaugurates $320 Million Energy Project Jiji Hydropower Plant

President Évariste Ndayishimiye on 24 June officially inaugurated the Jiji hydropower plant, marking the commissioning of a major infrastructure project aimed at transforming Burundi’s energy sector and propelling its socio-economic development.

The ceremony, held in Bururi Province, brought together senior government officials and representatives from Burundi’s development partners, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), World Bank, European Union (EU), and the European Investment Bank (EIB) — all of whom co-financed the $320 million Jiji and Mulembwe Hydropower Project.

“Energy is crucial to development” — President Ndayishimiye

“2025 marks a new era in Burundi’s energy development. Just as water is essential to life, energy is crucial to development,” declared President Ndayishimiye. “This new source of available energy will enable new businesses to develop and transform production from different sectors.”

When fully operational — with the Mulembwe plant due to come online in the coming months — the two facilities will have a combined installed capacity of 49.5 megawatts, generating an estimated 235 gigawatt-hours of clean energy annually.

Who Benefits?

This new capacity will provide electricity to:

• 15,000 households

• 7,000 businesses

• 1,700 industrial facilities

The improved energy supply is expected to accelerate productivity in vital sectors such as:

• Health and education

• Agribusiness

• ICT and digital services.

A Collective Investment in Burundi’s Future

The Jiji and Mulembwe Hydropower Project is financed by a consortium of Burundi’s key development partners:

• World Bank – $149.4 million

• European Union – $95 million

• European Investment Bank – $36.6 million

• African Development Bank – $22 million

• Government of Burundi & REGIDESO – $16.7 million

The project includes the construction of transmission lines and substations to extend power distribution across underserved areas.

Strategic Development and Green Energy

For the AfDB, the project aligns with its High 5 priorities, particularly the commitment to “Light up and power Africa”.

“We are proud to have contributed to this flagship project. It will broaden access to reliable and affordable energy for a sustainable and prosperous Burundi,” said Pascal Yembiline, AfDB’s Country Manager.

The EIB’s Edward Claessen emphasised the project’s climate significance:

“This is part of the EU’s clean energy strategy in Africa. By reducing dependence on fossil fuels, the project supports decarbonisation and sustainable development.”

Catalyst for Economic Transformation

According to the World Bank’s country representative, Hawa Cisse Wagué, the Jiji plant is more than an infrastructure project — it’s a lever for development.

“This infrastructure will enhance access to electricity, stimulate industrialisation, create jobs, and drive economic growth,” she said.

The EU Ambassador to Burundi, Elisabetta Pietrobon, reiterated Europe’s commitment to Burundi’s energy transition, highlighting the EU’s longstanding support for the project from design to execution.

Boosting Confidence and Creating Jobs

The project has already created hundreds of jobs during its construction phase and contributed to building local technical expertise. With its commissioning, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are expected to flourish under improved energy conditions, spurring job creation and inclusive growth.

Moreover, the launch is expected to boost investor confidence, providing a more stable and attractive environment for both domestic and foreign investment.

Towards Vision 2040 and 2060

Burundi has declared its ambition to become an emerging economy by 2040 and a developed country by 2060. Strategic investments like the Jiji and Mulembwe hydropower plants are critical milestones on that journey.

With only 6% of its 13 million citizens currently having access to electricity, according to AfDB data, this project marks a foundational step toward energy sovereignty and social transformation in one of Africa’s most energy-deprived nations.

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Source: African Development Bank (AfDB)