Energizing Rwanda’s Development

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - Rwanda's GDP growth has exceeded 8 percent annually over the past two years, nearly double the average for Sub-Saharan Africa, indicating a strong economic transition from agriculture to industry and services [13][14] - The electrification rate in Rwanda reached approximately 61 percent by 2022, with 47 percent from grid-based connections and 14 percent from off-grid solutions, showcasing significant progress towards universal access [13][14] - The government aims to achieve universal coverage for productive energy users through a mix of 52 percent on-grid and 48 percent off-grid solutions in its updated Energy Sector Strategic Plan [14] Summary by Sections Executive Summary - The study assesses Rwanda's potential in the productive use of energy (PUE) and aims to bridge knowledge gaps on market actors, products, and the market environment [15] - Key objectives include evaluating the potential electricity demand of productive energy users and identifying barriers to the uptake of high-potential PUE technologies [15] Introduction - The study was conducted in four phases, utilizing extensive primary and secondary data from various actors in the PUE ecosystem, including government agencies and technology suppliers [16] Planning, Policies, and Investments - Rwanda's policy framework has made significant strides towards achieving universal energy access, with specific targets outlined in Vision 2050 and the National Strategy for Transformation [17] - Recent pilot initiatives have provided insights on scaling the adoption of existing PUE technologies, emphasizing the need for financial and technical support for cash-constrained suppliers [18] Analysis of Current Users - Over 86 percent of productive energy users are connected to the main grid, with a significant portion expressing a desire for specific appliances to enhance productivity [19] - The study found that unit price is the most significant factor influencing electricity consumption, with potential increases in demand under various scenarios [20][21]