Burundi is advancing efforts to expand electricity access through Weza Power, an initiative receiving support from the World Bank Group through a combination of private investment guarantees and development financing.

The World Bank Group is supporting Weza Power with a $10.9 million guarantee from the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), alongside assistance from the International Development Association (IDA) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The initiative aims to extend electricity access to 9 million people by 2030.

The programme highlights the role of private capital mobilisation in helping countries address infrastructure gaps and improve access to essential services.

Mobilising Private Investment for Electricity Access

Expanding electricity infrastructure requires substantial financing, particularly in countries where access remains limited and investment needs extend across communities and regions.

MIGA provides guarantees designed to help mitigate certain political and investment-related risks, potentially encouraging private investors to participate in projects that might otherwise struggle to attract financing.

The $10.9 million guarantee supporting Weza Power forms part of a broader package of World Bank Group engagement. IDA provides concessional financing and grants to eligible countries, while IFC works with the private sector to support investment and business development.

Combining these different forms of support can help create conditions for private participation in essential infrastructure projects.

Expanding Access to Electricity by 2030

The target of reaching 9 million people by 2030 represents a major ambition for electricity access in Burundi. Reliable power can support households, schools, healthcare facilities, businesses and other essential services.

For households, electricity can improve lighting and access to electrical appliances. For businesses, dependable power can reduce operational difficulties and create opportunities to expand production.

Healthcare facilities can also benefit from reliable electricity for lighting, refrigeration and the operation of essential equipment, while schools may gain improved access to digital learning resources.

Achieving these benefits will depend on infrastructure deployment, affordability, service reliability and the ability to connect underserved communities.

Why Electricity Access Matters for Economic Development

Electricity is an important foundation for economic activity. Businesses need reliable power to operate equipment, preserve products and provide services, while communities require energy to support education, healthcare and communication.

Expanding electricity access can therefore contribute to wider development objectives, including employment, productivity and improved living conditions.

However, connecting more people to electricity is only one part of the challenge. Long-term success also requires sustainable financing, effective operations, maintenance and tariffs that households and businesses can afford.

Private Capital and Development Partnerships

The Weza Power initiative illustrates how development institutions can work alongside private investors to support infrastructure expansion. Guarantees and financing arrangements can help address investment barriers while supporting projects intended to deliver wider social and economic benefits.

As Burundi pursues its 2030 electricity access objective, progress will depend on translating financial commitments into functioning infrastructure and reliable services for communities.

The initiative also reflects a broader development priority: mobilising private investment while ensuring that essential infrastructure delivers measurable benefits to the people who need it most.