The Rusumo Hydropower Project, a collaboration between Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi, is set to be inaugurated in February 2025.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, shared the update on November 16, 2024, following a meeting with energy ministers from the three countries at the project site in Rusumo, Ngara District, Tanzania.
Dr. Biteko explained that while December was initially considered for the launch, the short timeframe made coordinating attendance for the heads of state challenging. Therefore, the request has been made to hold the inauguration in February 2025.
He noted that the project is 99.9% complete, with only a few final adjustments remaining. Once fully operational, the project will enable each participating country to add 27 megawatts to its national grid.
He highlighted that Tanzania's electricity demand currently stands at 1,800 megawatts, while the national generation capacity has now reached 3,070 megawatts.
He also pointed out additional benefits from the project, such as job creation, local development in Ngara Municipality, and improved social services.
Furthermore, the Rusumo project is expected to stimulate economic growth by enhancing cross-border electricity trade and linking Tanzania with Burundi and Rwanda.
Dr. Biteko emphasized that diversifying power sources will contribute to national economic growth and individual prosperity. He also noted that 52% of Tanzania’s electricity is consumed by the public, while 48% is used by industries.
He concluded by encouraging local communities to support environmental conservation efforts. This aligns with recommendations from the ministers of the three countries, who advised project managers to plant trees around the site to ensure the project’s sustainability.
