Energizing Rwanda’s Development | Opportunities and Strategies for Catalyzing Productive Use of Energy
Rwanda is among the fastest growing economies in Africa. This growth aligns with the Rwandan government’s goal of transitioning the country from an agricultural-based economy to one driven more by industry and services. With the support of development partners, the government is shifting its focus toward leveraging electricity services to spur economic development and job creation. Energizing Rwanda’s Development: Opportunities and Strategies for Catalyzing Productive Use of Energy - a product of the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), in collaboration with Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) - utilizes extensive primary and secondary data to assess the country’s potential in the productive use of energy (PUE). Utilizing a rigorous ranking process, the study selected four high-potential PUE technologies for analysis: (1) solar water pumps, (2) refrigerators, (3) electric motorcycles, and (4) electric pressure cookers. The findings demonstrate the presence of a nascent market and the key role affordability plays in the uptake of PUE technologies. Market strengthening will require support for suppliers’ access to finance, consumers’ access to affordable products, and awareness creation and capacity building, underpinned by enabling policies and cross-sector coordination. These actions will require dedicated funding, which can start a virtuous cycle of development.
