• AfDB, AIIB mobilize $300 million for Rwanda clean energy
• Program to deliver 200,000 grid links, 50,000 solar systems
• Initiative expected to create 6,000 jobs, boost supply quality

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) are mobilizing $300 million to expand access to clean energy in Rwanda. The AfDB announced the initiative in a press release on Wednesday, Feb. 18.

The project uses results-based financing. It comprises $200 million approved by the AfDB in July 2025 and $100 million contributed by the AIIB. Disbursements will be made once targets are verified.

The program includes more than 200,000 new connections to Rwanda's electricity grid. It also provides for the installation of 50,000 home solar systems for low-income households, the distribution of more than 100,000 clean cooking solutions, and the installation of around 2,000 solar water heaters for households and small businesses. The initiative will also improve supply quality for 850 commercial and industrial customers.

The program is expected to generate at least 6,000 direct and indirect jobs. It builds on the bank’s recent clean energy initiatives across Africa.

In January 2025, the bank supported the launch of a renewable energy platform with PowerGen Renewable Energy and international partners. The platform plans to deploy 120 MW of renewable capacity, along with battery storage, across several African countries, including Nigeria, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo. At the time, the bank said the initiative was expected to supply electricity to more than 68,000 households and reduce energy costs for around 7,000 businesses.

In October 2025, the AfDB, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and other partners appointed Inspired Evolution as manager of the Zafiri Fund, which invests equity in decentralized renewable energy. The fund aims to mobilize up to $1 billion and provide energy access to more than 30 million people.

In January 2026, the bank approved $3.9 million in technical assistance to help 13 African countries turn national energy plans into new electricity connections.

Abdel-Latif Boureima