Energy Private Developers (EPD) and the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to boost energy sector development and coordination.

The Energy Private Developers is a registered professional association in Rwanda, comprising over 200 private companies operating in various sectors of the energy industry, including solar, minigrids, clean cooking, hydro, methane gas, e-mobility, the productive use of renewable energy (PURE), and a female subsector aimed at empowering more women in the energy transition.

It is one of the five associations under the Cluster of Industry of the Private Sector Federation (PSF) of Rwanda.

The agreement, signed on December 23, 2024, marks a strategic collaboration to enhance the alignment of public and private sector efforts in achieving the country's energy goals, as outlined in the Energy Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP), and the 2nd National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).

The shared commitment seeks to create a conducive environment for sustainable economic growth through the development of the energy sector.

"We worked with the Ministry of Infrastructure in NST1, and we must continue this effort in NST2. EPD members have many projects to implement, and they need recommendations. This requires endorsement by the Ministry to fast-track implementation,” said Serge Wilson Muhizi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of EPD.

The partnership will focus on facilitating sector coordination, information exchange, and collaborative initiatives between the private and public sectors, ensuring that both contribute effectively to the realisation of the country's energy targets.

Both parties are committed to working together to drive sustainable energy initiatives, support national development goals, and ensure the growth of Rwanda’s energy sector.

The Ministry of Infrastructure will play a key role in facilitating public-private consultations, endorsing collaborative projects, and providing recommendations to EPD and its members.

It will also support EPD and its members' involvement in sector working groups and technical meetings to ensure alignment with national energy goals.

In return, EPD will spearhead the coordination of the private energy sector, promote private sector engagement in policy development, create awareness about investment opportunities, support government initiatives, and foster partnerships with relevant stakeholders.

This agreement signifies the strong commitment of both the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA) and the Energy Private Developers Association (EPD) to enhancing the role of the energy sector in Rwanda's sustainable development.

By fostering closer collaboration and strengthening the public-private partnership, the two entities aim to achieve energy sector goals that will contribute to long-term economic growth, job creation, and improved access to energy across the country.

"Over the past decade, since the formation of the Energy Private Developers (EPD) in 2014,we have worked together in a highly conducive environment, contributing to Rwanda's energy transition efforts,” said Muhizi.

EPD has established strategic partnerships both locally and internationally, such as with the Chinese Renewable Energy Industry Association (CREIA) and the East African Renewable Energy Federation (EAREF), which spans Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, DRC, Somalia, Tanzania, and Kenya.

It also established a partnership with the Global Renewable Center, funded by the Scottish Government and Strathclyde University which includes collaborations with Scotland, Malawi, Zambia, and Rwanda to enhance access to finance, capacity-building, trading missions, research, and joint project design and knowledge exchange.

"We can exchange expertise, given that access to electricity in Rwanda is at 80 per cent. We need public-private partnerships to move faster,” he said.

EPD is also preparing to join the Central and West Africa Business Energy Forum (CABEF), which united governments and private sector players in the energy, mining, and oil industries in West and Central Africa.

"These achievements highlight the need for a robust and well-organised private sector association. With continued support and guidance from the Ministry and the Government of Rwanda, we are ready to elevate this collaboration to new heights and bring Rwanda’s energy sector to the global stage,” he added.

Muhizi also mentioned that under the China-Africa partnership, the private sectors from Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Kenya will collaborate on the energy transition.

"It requires a recommendation from the government through the relevant ministry,” he said.

Speaking after signing the MOU with EPD, Fidele Abimana, the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure, acknowledged and appreciated EPD's contributions to advancing Rwanda’s energy sector. He emphasised the importance of continued collaboration to achieve the nation’s energy targets and foster public-private partnerships.

EPD expressed sincere appreciation and gratitude to all stakeholders who have contributed to the growth and success of the private sector in energy in the past 10 years since it was created and throughout 2024. "Your collaborative efforts have been instrumental in fostering innovation, driving progress, and creating a sustainable energy future,” the association stated.

It recognised government partners, development partners, regulatory bodies, financial institutions, energy developers, technology providers, research institutions, high learning institutions, academia, investors, civil Society, foundations and the broader community for their outstanding collaboration and dedication.

"As we close 2024, we celebrate the achievements made possible through our collective efforts and look forward to continuing these meaningful partnerships in the years to come,” it stated.

EPD’s partnership has fuelled remarkable growth in the private sector, with the number of energy companies increasing from just 25 to over 200 today.