USTDA, Weza Power to Expand Rural Electricity Access in Burundi

Arlington, VA - Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency announced that it has awarded a feasibility study grant to Burundi-based Weza Power SURL (Weza Power) to help develop a rural electric utility with the capacity to connect nine million people to the national grid. Weza Power selected Washington, D.C.-based non-profit NRECA International to conduct the study.

"This project will have a transformative impact on rural communities across Burundi, providing access to reliable electricity for students, families, and business owners," said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA's Director. "USTDA's partnership with Weza Power is a critical component of the U.S. government's coordinated effort to meet Burundi's power sector goals. Our Agency's work will enhance the project's bankability while creating opportunities for U.S. companies to deploy their technology for its implementation."

Access to electricity in Burundi is less than 2% for rural communities and 11% nationally; full implementation of the project is expected to increase access to 70% and 76%, respectively. The USTDA-funded study will help lay the groundwork for the creation of the utility and recommend pathways for unlocking additional financing and deploying innovative U.S.-made technologies and services. By adding a U.S. commercial nexus to the project, USTDA's work will complement development assistance provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development, Development Finance Corporation, and U.S. government-led Power Africa initiative.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with USTDA on detailed technical studies for Weza Power," said Brian Kelly, founder and CEO of Ananza Electric Group, the parent company of Weza Power. "USTDA's support combined with the technical and operational planning expertise of NRECA International will be instrumental in our mission of developing, building, and operating a sustainable, reliable and affordable power grid to serve rural Burundians."

"These agreements, and the cooperative efforts to provide electricity to all Burundians, represents another U.S. investment in the future of this country. With an expanded national grid, and increased power supplies, electricity will reach the rural communities. Every single Burundian will someday benefit from the impact of these projects," said U.S. Ambassador to Burundi Lisa Peterson.

The project will support the U.S. government's Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment; Prosper Africa; Power Africa, which aims to increase energy access on the continent; and USTDA's Global Partnership for Climate-Smart Infrastructure.

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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.

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