Burundi Unveils $3.5B Energy Plan

Key Figures & Findings: Burundi, one of Africa’s least electrified nations, has unveiled the COMPACT National Energy Plan, a $3.49 billion roadmap to tackle its severe power gap. With only 25.9% of the population connected to electricity in 2025—just 8% via the main grid—the government is targeting 70% electricity access and 40% clean cooking by 2030. The plan, aligned with the World Bank’s Mission 300 initiative, will combine national grid expansion with decentralized solar deployment. Current generation capacity stands at just 204.9 MW, 79% sourced from hydropower, underscoring the scale of the challenge.

Statistics & Insights: The financing structure places $1.95 billion on government shoulders, leaving $1.54 billion to be raised from private investors. Independent producers supply only 18.5% of Burundi’s electricity today, reflecting the uphill task in attracting private capital. Looking further, the government’s Vision 2040–2060 aims for 100% electrification—with 99% of supply renewable—to serve more than 12 million citizens.

Future Implications: If Burundi secures private investment and scales capacity by 2030, it could become a surprising test case for fragile states pursuing clean electrification under Mission 300. Missing the targets, however, risks entrenching energy poverty for millions well beyond 2030.

Source: Ecofin Agency

Quick Take: From 26% to 70% electrification by 2030 — can Burundi’s $3.5B flip the switch on one of Africa’s darkest grids?