Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Abdul Rashid Thomas
Published on 2024-04-11 10:24:46
Rwanda has made incredible progress in increasing access to electricity over the past 15 years, going from 6% in 2009 to 75% in 2024. This achievement was the result of government ownership, leadership, and commitment, as well as partnerships with the private sector and funding from development partners. The country has set an ambitious goal to achieve universal access to electricity, and it is well on its way to achieving this.
The rapid expansion of electrification in Rwanda has been one of the fastest in the world, ranking 11th globally and 3rd in Africa between 2010 and 2020. The country has connected 100% of health centers and administrative facilities at the sector level, 84% of schools, and most productive users like micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. This progress has been achieved through a dedicated structure and institutional strengthening that has enabled effective planning and implementation of electrification projects.
Key to Rwanda’s success in increasing access to electricity has been the government’s ownership, leadership, and commitment to universal electrification. The government has incorporated electrification targets into its development strategies since 2008, setting out clear goals for increasing electricity connections to households and institutions providing social and administrative services. The government also established the Electricity Access Rollout Program in 2008 to implement spatial least-cost electricity investment programs.
Institutional strengthening and capacity building have played a crucial role in Rwanda’s electrification efforts. The country has developed the capability to achieve electrification targets and introduced flexibility through various rollout mechanisms. The government has also supported the uptake of off-grid Solar Home Systems through the private sector, recognizing the importance of both grid and off-grid electrification in increasing access to electricity.
Funding availability and strong partnerships have been essential in financing Rwanda’s electrification projects. The government has mobilized over $1.4 billion from development partners for electrification, with approximately $750 million coming from the World Bank. The private sector has also played a significant role in the rollout of off-grid Solar Home Systems, connecting 22% of households through this program.
Rwanda’s success in increasing access to electricity has demonstrated the importance of comprehensive reforms and policies in achieving universal electrification. The country has implemented tariff reforms, least-cost geo-spatial planning, and policies to address affordability constraints. As a result, Rwanda has maintained electricity sector subsidies below 1.4% of GDP while expanding electrification aggressively.
Overall, Rwanda’s journey towards universal access to electricity serves as a valuable example for other countries looking to accelerate their efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7. With the right combination of government ownership, leadership, funding, and partnerships, countries can make significant progress in providing affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy to all.
Read the original article on Sierra Leone Telegraph
