EIB-Backed Jiji Hydropower Plant Launch Powers 15,000 Homes and Boosts Burundi’s Growth

EIB-Backed Jiji Hydropower Plant Launch Powers 15,000 Homes and Boosts Burundi’s Growth

(IN BRIEF) Burundi’s President officially opened the Jiji hydroelectric plant in Bururi province, marking a major milestone toward the nation’s energy self-reliance. When paired with the soon-to-be-completed Mulembwe facility, the two dams will deliver 49.5 MW of capacity and 235 GWh annually, supplying 15,000 households, 7,000 businesses, and 1,700 industrial users. Financed through a $320 million collaboration between the Burundian government, AfDB, EIB, WB, and EU, the project is poised to boost productivity in key sectors and foster socioeconomic development. Leaders from each institution underscored the plant’s alignment with climate, cohesion, and growth objectives. The construction phase created hundreds of jobs, and the operational phase is expected to drive SME expansion, job creation, and investor confidence in Burundi’s transformation roadmap.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 25-Jun-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Today, Burundi’s President inaugurated the newly completed Jiji hydroelectric plant in Bururi province, joined by national officials and representatives of its development partners. This flagship project underscores Burundi’s progress toward energy independence and signals a favorable environment for sustainable, inclusive investment.

Soon to be complemented by the Mulembwe facility—due to come online in the coming months—these two power stations will generate a combined 49.5 MW of capacity and approximately 235 GWh of clean electricity annually. Together, they will light up 15,000 homes, power 7,000 businesses, and serve 1,700 industrial sites, driving enhanced productivity across health, education, agribusiness, and ICT sectors.

The $320 million initiative was realized through close collaboration between the Burundian government and international financiers: the African Development Bank (AfDB), European Investment Bank (EIB), World Bank (WB), and European Union (EU). Pascal Yembiline, AfDB’s Country Manager in Burundi, highlighted the project’s alignment with the bank’s Hi-5 priorities and its role in delivering reliable, affordable energy to foster lasting prosperity.

Edward Claessen, Head of the EIB’s East Africa Regional Hub, emphasized the significance of replacing imported fossil fuels with renewable hydropower, noting that the investment advances both EU clean infrastructure objectives and corporate decarbonisation goals. World Bank Representative Hawa Cisse Wagué praised the new plant and associated transmission lines as critical engines for socioeconomic development, from expanding energy access to stimulating industrial growth and job creation.

EU Ambassador Elisabetta Pietrobon reminded attendees that energy remains central to the EU’s development agenda, with funding spanning design, implementation, and equipment deployment phases. All partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Burundi’s Vision 2040 and Vision 2060—aspirations to achieve emerging- and developed-country status by those target years.

Since construction began, the project has generated hundreds of local jobs and enhanced community technical expertise. With Jiji now operational, Burundi enters a new era of opportunity: more dependable and affordable power will enable SMEs to flourish, attract further investment, and catalyze broader economic growth—while building confidence among both domestic and foreign stakeholders.

Background information

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SOURCE: European Investment Bank