Burundi moves its energy transition from commitments to delivery
BREAD 2026 took stock of a year of Mission 300 and brought three new agreements to the table.
Bujumbura, 9 November 2026 – One year into Mission 300, Burundi is shifting from pledges to projects. On 5-6 November 2026, the Government of Burundi, through the Ministry of Energy, hosted the fifth Burundi Renewable Energy Access Days (BREAD 2026), with the World Bank Group and the Alliance for Renewable Electrification (ARE). The event drew 350 participants: government officials, development partners, project leaders, companies and students.
Burundi joined Mission 300 at the Dar es Salaam Summit on 28 January 2025. Its targets are 70% electricity access and 40% clean cooking by 2030. BREAD 2026 reviewed the first year of the National Energy Compact and set the direction for the four years ahead.
Minister of Energy Dr. Hassan Kibeya said “The transition will only be truly inclusive if it improves household livelihoods, eases pressure on natural resources and forests, and cuts the health risks of indoor air pollution.”
Erik Fernstrom, the World Bank Group’s Regional Practice Director, called for “A broader ambition: go beyond megawatts and connections, and make energy an engine for growth, business development and quality jobs for Burundian youth.”
ARE CEO David Lecoque, speaking ahead of the event, stressed the role of the private sector: “Companies that invest, hire and train locally make energy access a true engine for jobs,” he said. “With a clear framework and bankable projects, Burundi can attract the private capital needed to reach 70% access by 2030.”
Three announcements, one direction
- A public-private partnership agreement between Weza Power, a subsidiary of ARE Member Anzana Electric Group, and the Government of Burundi.
- A joint PURE vision and partnership statement between Gigawatt Burundi and the Government.
- A memorandum of understanding between CRDB Bank Plc, Bancobu SM, KCB Bank Group and the Government.
The event also celebrated the strong results of FESEC Burundi, managed by ARE Member Bamboo Capital Partners, and marked the launch of Burundi’s new Renewable Energy Degree.
Looking ahead
Four years remain to reach the 2030 targets. BREAD 2026 showed that the partners, the frameworks and the first financing commitments are coming together. Turning them into connections, clean cooking solutions and jobs is the next test.