Among the many goals of the Vision 2020 development strategy is a private sector driven economy. This is necessary because the Rwandan leadership realised early that only through the involvement of the private sector will Rwanda’s potential be realised.

The private sector hasn’t disappointed; it has risen to the occasion. The various Public-Private Partnerships, which have been extremely successful, show just what can happen when the private and public sector work in tandem.

Energy is one of the key economic driving forces and while the situation has drastically improved, for Rwanda to reach its goal of providing electricity for all its citizens at an affordable price, innovation will have play a critical role.

This innovative spirit can be seen in the Lake Kivu methane gas project. While naysayer’s told us that extracting the methane gas would be impossible and unsafe, the Rwandan government, along with its partners in the Kivu Gas Project, has proved these reports false.

The methane gas project currently contributes 1.8 megawatts to the national grid; an addition that provides electricity to Rwandans who didn’t enjoy the benefits that should be fundamental.

Having led the way, the Government of Rwandan now plans to lease to private investors. This move will, when completed, reinforce the plant and increase production to 50 megawatts.

The plant, which has attracted 14 bidding investors, is a veritable goldmine. Leasing the project will unleash its potential and for this the government should be commended.

Rwandans will be the true beneficiaries of this move; cost-effective, plentiful power will be a boon that drives our economy and pulls more Rwandans out of poverty.

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