The Rwandan government has announced that it will continue to prioritize the expansion of electricity access across the country. According to Canoth Manishimwe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, 297,068 households were connected to electricity in the 2025/2026 fiscal year. This includes 234,432 households connected to the national grid and 62,636 households using solar power.
Manishimwe made the announcement during a meeting with members of the Parliamentary Committee on Governance, Gender, and Social Affairs. He highlighted the government's efforts to accelerate the implementation of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), which aims to achieve universal access to electricity by 2029. The strategy also focuses on increasing the use of renewable energy.
As of now, 88.3% of Rwanda's population has access to electricity, either through the national grid or solar power. The government aims to build on this progress and achieve 100% access to electricity by 2029. This will involve expanding the national grid and promoting the use of renewable energy sources.
The expansion of electricity access is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economic and social development. Increased access to electricity will support the growth of industries, businesses, and public services such as healthcare and education. It will also reduce the reliance on traditional energy sources, such as wood and charcoal, which contribute to deforestation and air pollution.
The government plans to continue investing in renewable energy sources, including solar and hydroelectric power. This will not only increase access to electricity but also reduce the country's carbon footprint. The use of renewable energy is expected to play a critical role in Rwanda's efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
In addition to expanding access to electricity, the government is also promoting energy efficiency and conservation. This includes initiatives to reduce energy consumption in public buildings and promote the use of energy-efficient appliances. The government is also working to develop a robust policy framework to support the growth of the renewable energy sector.
The achievement of universal access to electricity is a key priority for the Rwandan government. With continued investment and commitment, the country is expected to make significant progress towards achieving this goal. The expansion of electricity access will have a lasting impact on the country's economic and social development, improving the lives of millions of Rwandans.
Key points
- The Rwandan government aims to achieve universal access to electricity by 2029.
- 297,068 households were connected to electricity in the 2025/2026 fiscal year.
- 88.3% of Rwanda's population now has access to electricity.
