NEWS

The Mulembwe hydroelectric power plant in Burundi, officially inaugurated by Prime Minister of Burundi Nestot Ntahontuye, on 16 June, marks a new milestone in national efforts to strengthen electricity production in Burundi.

The inauguration of the Mulembwe hydroelectric power plant (17 MW), following that of the Jiji power plant (32.5 MW) in June 2025, marks the completion of a major program aimed at achieving energy self-sufficiency and promoting economic development in Burundi. These facilities were designed to meet the country’s growing energy needs while promoting sustainable economic growth.

Located in Burunga Province, in the country’s southwest, these power plants mark a significant milestone in the country’s energy development, with a combined generating capacity of 49.5 megawatts. Together, the two plants will have an annual output of 239 gigawatt-hours and will supply power to 7,000 businesses and 1,700 industrial facilities across the country, as well as 15,000 households in the project area.

The additional energy produced will promote the development of small and medium-sized enterprises and will also support investment, job creation, and economic growth.

The construction of the Jiji and Mulembwe power plants is the result of close collaboration between the Government of Burundi and its development partners, notably the African Development Bank Group, the European Investment Bank, the European Union and the World Bank Group.

The sites have already created hundreds of local jobs and will continue to generate employment opportunities in the energy sector. The availability of clean energy will certainly open the door to potential private investment opportunities.