Image: Ministry of Finance & Economic Planning, Rwanda
Yesterday Rwanda and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a deal worth
up to $27 million for the improvements of the East African country’s power distribution
networks.
Signed by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning in Rwanda, Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana,
Ambassador of Japan to Rwanda, H.E. Mr. Takayuki Miyashita and Chief Representative of
JICA, Mr. Hiroyuki Takada, the investment forms part of the country’s plan to strengthen the
capacity of distribution networks to avoid a large-scale power outage.
During the signing, Minister Ndagijimana noted that the economy has seen a steady economic
growth in recent years and that the Government was making necessary investments to cater
for the increasing power demand which is growing at more than 10 percent each year.
“The amount of power consumed in Kigali accounts for approximately 64% of the country’s
total power consumption, therefore the construction of this new substation at Gasogi, Gasabo
district will greatly contribute to a more stable supply of power,” said the Minister at the signing.
Due to faulty and aging facilities, Rwanda’s power loss is currently at 20 percent, and as the
country seeks to find solutions, Chief representative of JICA, Mr. Hiroyuki Tayada said: “We are
pleased to be part of solutions to make Rwanda have stable power which is a prerequisite for
foreign direct investment as well as meeting the growing demand of stable and efficient
power supply.”
The investment includes the reinforcement of the 110KV transmission line between the
existing transmission lines and the new Gasogi Substation.
