Kigali, 3 December 2020: Rwanda and Zimbabwe have signed an agreement that will see both countries establish corporation in sharing expertise in the energy sector.

Minister of Infrastructure, Honourable, Claver Gatete and the Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe to Rwanda, H.E Prof. Charity MANYERUKE witnessed the signing of a Memorandum understanding (MoU) between Rwanda Energy Group (REG) and Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority ZESA Holdings LTD) on the cooperation between the two companies.  

This was signed by the Executive Chairman of ZESA Holdings Ltd, Dr. Sidney Z. GATA and the Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Energy Group, Mr. Ron WEISS. The agreement covers areas including energy generation, transmission, distribution, reduction of energy losses, and capacity building of personnel engaged in the industry, each party benefiting from the other’s experience in the implementation of energy projects.

Minister of Infrastructure, Claver Gatete emphasised on the importance of capacity building, saying it is necessary for sustaining what Rwanda is building in the energy sector. “There are some skills that Zimbabwe has that we don’t have. There is what we have that we can share with them. So, at the end of the day, it is a win-win situation," Minister Gatete said. 

Additionally, minister highlighted that signing this deal will strengthen corporation and assist o improve electricity access in both countries. 

“The deal signals the deepening of the two countries’ economic relations and will assist in improving the livelihoods of their people, The Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Rwanda noted”.  

The Memorandum of Understanding will run for 5-years with the possibility of being renewed.

The signed Memorandum of Understanding provides a framework of cooperation and aims at laying the foundation for the establishment of a business understanding which may lead to the signing of the energy infrastructure implementation partnerships agreements between the two parties.