Weza Power Gets $600K Boost to Light Up Burundi in Historic Energy Push

Burundi’s energy ambitions received a major boost as Anzana Electric Group and the African Development Bank (AfDB) jointly announced a $600,000 grant from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) to Weza Power. 

The announcement was made during the launch of Burundi’s National Energy Compact at the Mission 300 Private Sector Consultation in London.

The grant, part of SEFA’s regional technical assistance program, will accelerate Weza Power’s development activities, including critical environmental and social assessments. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to increase renewable energy integration and enhance private sector participation in Africa’s power infrastructure.

Weza Power is a first-of-its-kind national private electricity distribution company in Burundi, with a bold goal to connect 9 million people by 2030. Backed by Anzana Electric, British International Investment, and Gridworks, the company represents a landmark public-private partnership (PPP) in the region.

Burundi’s Minister of Hydraulics, Energy and Mines, Ibrahim Uwizeye, welcomed the investment, saying, “Weza Power represents a bold new model for accelerating access to electricity for all Burundians.”

The African Development Bank joins other key Mission 300 partners such as the World Bank and IFC in supporting Weza Power. Daniel Schroth, AfDB’s Director for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, emphasized the importance of scalable, innovative models: “This support aligns with our commitment to universal access.”

Mission 300, co-led by the World Bank and AfDB, aims to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030. Burundi’s National Energy Compact, launched at the event, outlines reforms and investments needed to realize this vision.

Brian Kelly, CEO of Anzana Electric Group, stated, “This support from SEFA and AfDB will help unlock power’s potential for every Burundian.”