• Burundi unveils $3.49B energy plan to boost electricity access
• Aims for 70% electrification, 40% clean cooking by 2030
• Seeks $1.54B private investment to expand grid, solar power

With an electricity access rate of only 25.9 percent in 2025, Burundi remains one of the least electrified nations in Africa and the world. Of this figure, only 8 percent are connected to the main grid, with 17.9 percent relying on decentralized solutions.

In response, Bujumbura has unveiled its national energy plan, the “COMPACT National,” which is aligned with the World Bank's Mission 300 initiative. The plan aims to significantly accelerate access to reliable, affordable, and clean energy.

The immediate goal is to provide reliable electricity to 70 percent of the population and clean cooking solutions to 40 percent by 2030. The strategy combines expanding the national grid with developing decentralized solar power. To achieve this, the government plans to increase installed capacity and electricity production by 3.5 times within five years, a massive undertaking for a system that currently operates at only 204.9 megawatts (MW), with 79 percent derived from hydroelectric sources.

Financing and Private Sector Appeal

The "COMPACT National" estimates its total financing needs at $3.49 billion. The government has pledged to mobilize $1.95 billion and is calling on the private sector to contribute the remaining $1.54 billion. This represents a significant test of investor confidence, as independent power producers currently account for only 18.5 percent of the country's energy supply.

Looking further ahead, the plan is integrated into Burundi's Vision 2040-2060, which sets an even more ambitious target of 100 percent electricity access, with 80 percent via the grid and 20 percent through decentralized solar. This future supply is intended to be 99 percent generated from renewable sources. Meeting this challenge will be crucial for the nation of more than 12 million people, whose economy is heavily reliant on commitment from development partners.

Aligning these objectives with the World Bank's Mission 300 provides a valuable leverage point. That initiative has reportedly connected 30 million people since its launch and aims to reach an additional 100 million soon. Crucially, it brings together various international financial institutions, which could help mobilize a portion of the funding sought by Burundi.

Abdoullah Diop