The African Development Bank (AfDB) on Wednesday committed $113-million for the development of the 80 MW Rusumo Falls hydropower project.
The project would increase renewable power generating capacity and access to electricity in Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi, which would share the power generated equally.
“Rusumo Falls is one of many projects financed by the AfDB in response to a crisis in low-energy access rates, limited infrastructure development in the region and regional projects that enhance regional stability through increased cooperation and integration among countries.
“Africa has incredible untapped hydropower potential; only 4% of which has been exploited,” said AfDB’s energy, environment and climate change director Alex Rugamba.
About $97.3-million was allocated from the African Development Fund and the Nigeria Trust Fund for the multinational project, while an additional $16-million would be sourced from the Sustainable Energy for All window of the European Union Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund.
Rusumo Falls was one of the nine hydropower projects identified by the Programme for Infrastructure Development for Africa as a priority project under its energy infrastructure programme.
Rwanda and Tanzania would be able to displace some of the energy generated from high-cost imported fuel with cheaper hydropower, thereby reducing the current electricity tariff, while Burundi would be able to supply 50% of its current peak power demand.