• Plans 290 transformers, 2,000 km network upgrades over 18 months

• Secures $300M, advances nuclear plans for future power capacity

Rwanda has launched a nationwide program to strengthen its electricity network and reduce recurring power cuts, as demand continues to strain the grid.

The plan includes installing 290 transformers across the country, Infrastructure Minister Jimmy Gasore told parliament on March 17. The equipment, which regulates voltage between transmission lines and end users, will be deployed first in high-demand urban areas. Gasore said the rollout is part of an 18-month grid modernization effort.

The project also targets distribution infrastructure. Around 357 kilometers of medium-voltage lines will be rehabilitated or newly built, while about 1,600 kilometers of low-voltage networks will be upgraded to improve service delivery.

The government says rising demand, driven by an increasing number of connected households and growing urban consumption, is putting pressure on the grid. Aging infrastructure has also contributed to frequent outages.

The program is backed by international partners, including the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). The total cost has not been disclosed.

Officials say the upgrades are aimed at stabilizing electricity distribution while new generation capacity is developed. Additional capacity is expected to come online by 2027. Until then, improving the existing network remains a priority.

“Electricity shortages remain a concern,” Gasore said.

$300 million secured as Rwanda advances energy strategy

Rwanda is also securing international financing to expand its power sector and improve energy access.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the AIIB have committed $300 million to clean energy projects, Ecofin Agency reported in February 2026.

The AfDB said the funding is part of a results-based program aimed at improving electricity access and service quality, with disbursements tied to measurable progress.

At the same time, Rwanda is working to diversify its energy mix. An Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in mid-March found the country has made progress in preparing its civilian nuclear program.

The mission assessed Rwanda’s readiness across 19 areas, including regulation, nuclear safety and skills development. Such reviews are designed to support countries planning to introduce nuclear power.

Authorities aim to develop nuclear generation capacity, with a first facility targeted for the early 2030s, according to the IAEA mission.

Abdel-Latif Boureima