Burundi signed a 25-year public-private partnership with Weza Power on 22 October 2026. This agreement mandates a US$1.4 billion investment dedicated to the expansion and modernization of electricity distribution infrastructure across the country. The initiative aims to enhance the national grid through full technical upgrades and network growth. Officials from the Burundian government and representatives from Weza Power finalized the arrangement to improve energy access. The project marks a significant shift in the management of local power services, focusing on long-term infrastructure improvements over the next quarter-century.
Expanding National Electricity Access
National electricity access currently stands at approximately 15% across Burundi. The newly signed initiative aims to increase this coverage to more than 50% by 2030. To achieve these targets, the project focuses on infrastructure development to integrate more than 1.2 million new electricity connections throughout the country. These connections form the core of the effort to modernize distribution networks managed by REGIDESO. Weza Power, backed by Anzana Electric Group and Gridworks, will oversee the delivery of these service points. Bryan Groenendaal of Weza Power confirmed the project scope centers on these expansion metrics. The planned network growth seeks to extend power availability significantly beyond current levels for both residential and commercial users in the coming years.
Scope of Utility Operations
Weza Power will manage, operate, and expand the distribution network across approximately half of Burundi. This operational responsibility follows the 22 October 2026 agreement, positioning the firm to handle infrastructure delivery for that portion of the national territory.
REGIDESO, the national utility, will continue to supply electricity and manage distribution for the remaining half of the country. This arrangement maintains the role of the state-owned provider in those specific regions. The division of labor ensures that both the public utility and the private partner oversee distinct segments of the electrical grid. Both entities will conduct their respective operations as part of the broader effort to modernize electricity distribution and increase coverage.
Projected Socioeconomic Impact
Projections indicate the project will benefit approximately 8 million people throughout Burundi. This anticipated reach represents a significant portion of the national population, aligning with the broader objectives of the energy infrastructure agreement signed on 22 October 2026.
Weza Power operates as a subsidiary of Anzana Electric Group. This corporate structure integrates the expertise of the parent firm into the management and expansion of the distribution network. Through this relationship, the project gains access to the operational capacity of Anzana Electric Group to support the installation of new service points.
Support for the partnership also includes involvement from international entities. British investor Gridworks provides backing to the initiative, while the United States government offers additional support for the project. These contributions from foreign partners facilitate the implementation of the infrastructure upgrades and the overall expansion of the grid. By combining resources from these international stakeholders, the project aims to stabilize and grow the electricity distribution network across the country.
