(AGENPARL) – Wed 25 June 2025 PRESS RELEASE2025-252-EN
Bujumbura, 25 June 2025
Inauguration of Jiji hydroelectric power plant: a huge step towards Burundi’s energy self-sufficiency
The President of the Republic of Burundi today officially inaugurated the Jiji hydroelectric power plant, in the presence of a large delegation of national authorities and representatives of the development partners that co-financed the project. Located in Bururi province, this large-scale infrastructure marks a key step forward in the country’s pursuit of energy self-sufficiency. It is also a strong signal for an investment-friendly climate to ensure more inclusive and sustainable economic development for Burundi.
With the Mulembwe plant to be completed in the coming months, the two plants will have an installed capacity of 49.5 megawatts and estimated annual production of 235 gigawatt hours of clean energy. They will provide electricity to 15 000 households, 7 000 businesses and 1 700 industrial facilities. This new capacity will not only improve access to electricity for thousands of people, but will also boost productivity in key sectors such as health, education, agribusiness and ICT.
The construction of these two plants at a total cost of $320 million was made possible thanks to strong cooperation between the Burundi government and the development partners – the African Development Bank (AfDB), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the World Bank (WB) and the European Union (EU).
Speaking at the inauguration, AfDB Country Manager in Burundi Pascal Yembiline 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.”
Head of the EIB Regional Hub for East Africa Edward Claessen said: “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 that: “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 and Head of Delegation to Burundi Elisabetta Pietrobon stressed that: “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. ”
All of Burundi’s development partners unanimously confirmed their commitment to supporting the country in its transformation efforts on the road to achieving its strategic vision: to become an emerging country by 2040 and a developed country by 2060.
Since the start of the construction phase, the project has created several hundred jobs, boosting the local economy while strengthening the technical capacities of the surrounding communities. Its entry into operation marks the beginning of a new cycle of opportunities, both in the energy sector and in other strategic areas. With more reliable, accessible and affordable energy, small and medium businesses will now have better conditions to develop, generate jobs and make a lasting contribution to the country’s economic growth. At the same time, the commissioning of the dam will help to create a trusting environment for investors, the people of Burundi and foreigners alike.
Press contacts:
European Investment Bank (EIB)
      
African Development Bank (AfDB)
World Bank
Angel Dany Gakunzi, External Affairs Officer
Delegation of the European Union