World Bank approves $340m for Regional Rusumo Falls hydro project in Africa

The World Bank has committed an investment of nearly $340m for the Regional Rusumo Falls hydroelectric project in Africa under the Great Lakes Regional Initiative.

The Regional Rusumo Falls hydroelectric project will generate 80MW which will be shared by Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania.

The Nile Equatorial Lakes (NEL) sub-region in east African countries will benefit from the project’s clean energy and employment.

The project is estimated to cost $468.6m, of which $113.30m will be provided by the three countries through International Development Association.

Operations and Regional Integration strategy director Colin Bruce said that the milestone project is expected to have transformational impact, providing lower-cost energy to homes, businesses, and clinics in Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania.

"By connecting grids, people and environmentally sensitive solutions, the project will help to catalyze growth and to encourage peace and stability in the sub-region," added Bruce.

World Bank senior energy specialist and project team leader Paul Baringanire said, "The Regional Rusumo Falls Hydroelectric Project provides a fresh opportunity to unlock energy potential in the Great Lakes region, while safeguarding the environment."

The World Bank expects the project to strengthen the capacity of the Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program (NELSAP) and its emergence as a regional center of excellence.

World Bank Africa region sustainable development director Jamal Saghir said, "The new power plant signals the Bank’s commitment to keeping the lights on across the African continent, necessary for achieving growth, ending poverty and boosting shared prosperity in the region."