Africa-Press – Rwanda. Rwanda is set to connect 200,000 households to electricity and expand access to clean cooking energy after the Chamber of Deputies approved a ¥14.8 billion (approximately Rwf136 billion) financing agreement with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
The bill ratifying the agrement between the government and the bank was passed unanimously by all 70 Members of Parliament present on Monday, April 13.
Godfrey Kabera, the Minister of State for National Treasury who tabled the bill, told MPs that while the country’s electrification rate has improved significantly over the past decade, gaps remain in affordability.
“Challenges remain in ensuring affordability and access to clean cooking solutions,” Kabera said.
He added that the financing will support efforts to increase access to reliable electricity supply and clean energy services through system upgrades, expanded connections and institutional reforms.
Under the programme, 200,000 households and 850 commercial and industrial users will be connected to the national grid, while 50,000 additional users will be reached through off-grid options.
A further 100,000 households and 310 public institutions, including schools and health centres, will receive clean cooking technologies, alongside the installation of street lighting along 200 kilometres of roads in secondary cities.
MPs welcomed the programme but sought clarity on implementation targets and timelines.
MP Beth Murora questioned how the programme aligns with national electrification targets.
“In visits we did, districts indicated they are targeting 90 per cent electricity access in households this year. I wanted to know whether this financing will help reach those targets or even achieve 100 per cent,” she said.
MP Christine Bakundufite asked whether the three components of the programme would be implemented simultaneously and how beneficiaries would be selected.
MP Damien Nyabyenda raised concerns over the distribution of clean cooking technologies, while MP Phoebe Kanyange sought clarification on how households in the City of Kigali would be included in clean cooking interventions.
Responding to the queries, Kabera said the programme is aligned with existing national targets under NST2 programme and will support their implementation.
He explained that all three targets in electricity access, clean cooking and lighting of roads will run in parallel as part of a coordinated rollout.
Kabera added that selection of beneficiaries will prioritise low-income households and areas with low access to clean cooking solutions, with government subsidies supporting affordability.
He also noted that priority for electricity connections will be given to clustered settlements to improve efficiency.
On broader diversification of energy sources, Kabera said separate initiatives, including methane gas-based projects expected by 2028, are also underway.
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