Ruzizi III Energy Limited (REL), in collaboration with the Governorate of South Kivu, held a stakeholder consultation meeting on 6 November 2024 in Bukavu, South Kivu Province, DR Congo. The meeting aimed to update stakeholders on the progress of the Ruzizi III Regional Hydropower Project, address critical project components, and reinforce partnerships to drive successful implementation.
DG of EGL, Charles VUMBI Mbenga (L), H.E. Governor of South Kivu Province, Prof. Jean Jacques PURUSI (C), and PD of REL, Mohsin TAHIR (R), all called for joint efforts to ensure Ruzizi III Project becomes a success
The Ruzizi III Project is a groundbreaking public-private partnership (PPP) in sub-Saharan Africa, leveraging a shared regional water resource to provide electricity to three countries: Burundi, DR Congo, and Rwanda. Once operational, the project will deliver clean, renewable energy to an estimated 20 million people across the Great Lakes region, catalyzing significant economic growth and sustainable development.
The meeting was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the South Kivu provincial government, civil and military authorities, and non-governmental organizations. His Excellency, the Governor of South Kivu, Prof. Jean-Jacques Purusi, praised the project’s progress and reaffirmed the province’s commitment to its success. He emphasized that the provincial government will continue to support essential administrative processes. Governor Purusi underscored South Kivu’s dedication to providing a stable and secure environment for the project, stating “The province is fully prepared to support this significant project by facilitating administrative processes, securing access to South Kivu for project partners and expatriates, and assisting with the customs clearance of essential equipment. Additionally, we will ensure that the conditions of peace, security, and stability are in place for those working here to successfully realize this important project.”
REL’s Project Director, Mohsin Tahir, expressed appreciation for the strong support from DR Congo, Burundi, and Rwanda. “We are grateful for the commitment of these countries in making this project a reality. This support will be essential not only for the developers but also for the contractors who will undertake the construction,” he remarked.
EGL’s Director General, Charles Vumbi Mbenga, called for sustained collaboration among all stakeholders, emphasizing that shared commitment would be vital to overcoming challenges and realizing the project’s goals. “It is through our shared commitment that we can overcome the challenges ahead and ensure this project’s success. I am convinced that the joint efforts of the CEPGL member countries, financial and technical partners, civil and military authorities, as well as local communities, will enable this integrative project to achieve its objectives,” he remarked.
The Ruzizi III Project has reached several significant milestones, including the release of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and the launch of the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the main construction contract. Construction is anticipated to begin in Q4 2025.
The Ruzizi III Regional Hydropower Project marks the first major collaborative development between the three countries in over 30 years. As a symbol of regional cooperation, it promises to expand access to sustainable energy and foster economic growth across the Great Lakes region, underscoring the transformative potential of cross-border partnerships.
