Our portfolio company Anzana Electric Group is taking on the challenge of transforming energy access in Burundi by aiming to take the country from 12% electrification to 70%.
Last week, the Gridworks Board of Directors visited Burundi to see first-hand how Anzana – and its subsidiaries Weza Power and Songa Energy – are laying the foundations for a sustainable, reliable energy future.
Transforming access through generation and distribution
Anzana is tackling Burundi’s energy challenge in several ways, including:
- Weza Power: In 2023, Anzana launched Weza Power. It is a new electricity distribution utility aiming to connect over two-thirds of the population (around 9 million people) within the next seven years.
- The Upper Ruvyironza Hydropower Plant: Songa Energy, a subsidiary of Anzana Electric Group, recently commissioned the 1.65 MW facility, which is now delivering clean power to nearby communities.
- The Mulembwe Hydropower Project: Another Songa Energy project, the 9 MW hydropower plant is currently under construction and is expected to be commissioned in 2027. These two hydro projects will become Burundi’s second and third operational independent power projects, adding critical generation capacity to the national grid.
Building skills for the future
Our Board and team – including CEO Chris Flavin, Business Development Director Shaun Githuku, and Board members Richard Charlton, Saad Islam and Robert Wasson – visited Weza Power’s new offices and its training centre under development at ETS Kamenge.
With support from Burundi’s government, the centre will soon welcome 200 students and 150 technicians for specialised training, creating the next generation of energy professionals. We were also joined by Herménégilde Burikukiye, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of National Education and Scientific Research, to review progress on site.
The strong partnership between Gridworks and Anzana, and the support of our shareholder British International Investment, is helping lay the foundation for long-term impact and growth in Burundi.