The Ministry of Infrastructure has signed a partnership with the EPD, an organization dedicated to helping citizens access electricity through advocacy. The goal is to improve the energy sector’s operations and enhance coordination within the sector.
The agreement was signed on Monday, December 23, 2024, at the Ministry’s offices in Kimihurura. It focuses on advancing the energy sector in Rwanda and achieving the country’s goals under the NST2 framework.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration between the government and private sector to meet Rwanda’s national targets. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Abimana Fidèle, signed the agreement on behalf of the Ministry, while Serge Wilson Muhizi represented the EPD.
Through this agreement, the Ministry of Infrastructure will play a significant role in supporting both government and private sector initiatives, helping them work together under the EPD’s guidance.
The Ministry’s leadership is committed to assisting EPD and its members, particularly by organizing meetings to promote growth in the energy sector.
Serge Wilson Muhizi, the head of EPD, shared that while the two organizations have worked together for the past 10 years, this is the first time a formal written agreement has been made. Their focus will be on aligning activities within the private sector, especially within the energy field.
Muhizi, who also leads the Energy Department in the Private Sector Federation (PSF), explained, “This agreement will help us align our efforts. We worked together during NST1, and now we continue our partnership into NST2.”
The two organizations will also work to understand the needs of those interested in operating in Rwanda, helping them implement government initiatives. “At times, investors need the Ministry’s help, like acquiring permits to implement projects. This will help speed up their requests,” Muhizi added.
Their collaboration also extends beyond Rwanda. Muhizi noted that private sector partnerships have been formed between Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and China-Africa, which will strengthen regional ties.
He emphasized that government approval is needed for this cooperation, and that progress is being made. EPD has also signed agreements with several East African nations, including Kenya, Burundi, DRC, Somalia, South Sudan, and Tanzania.
For these regional partnerships to succeed, government support is crucial. EPD, which brings together 200 private sector companies in the solar energy sector, is a member of Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation.
As part of NST2, Rwanda aims to expand electricity access to all citizens. Currently, 74.4% of households have electricity, and the country hopes to reach 100% by the end of NST2.
