Kigali- 23, August, 2022- Rwanda hosts the 9^th Power Africa conference dubbed under the theme “Convergence of National and Off-Grid Systems: Roles of Renewables, Productive Use, and Electric Mobility”.

The ultimate goal is to brainstorm on Rwanda and Africa’s energy issues in general both off- grid and on-grid components. African continent has the fastest-growing economies, the youngest and growing customer base, the highest migration from rural to urban centers, the fastest-growing middle-class with increasing demand for electronic devices and appliances, precipitating a significant need for more electricity supply. 

In Sub-Saharan Africa, electricity access stands at 26%, with the rural access rate at only 8%, and 85% of the population relying on biomass for energy. The high reliance on biomass for energy causes deforestation and an adverse impaction.

Rwanda has ambitious targets of reaching 100% of the universal energy access from the current 72% and reducing biomass from 79% to 42% by 2024. This was highlighted by the Minister of Infrastructure Honourable Ernest NSABIMANA during the meeting and emphasised on deepening engagements, forging partnerships to accelerate energy transition since it is a catalyst to the economic growth of every economy.

Power Africa Conference on the 9^th time, was held in the city of Kigali and is going to take place from 22-26 August 2022 at Carnegie Melony University located in Kigali. It was organised by power engineering society of IEEE, industrial applications society of IEEE and institute of electrical and electronics Engineers-Smart village.

It brought together various stakeholders including policy makers, researchers, academia, energy practitioners, members of private sector, project managers among others.

According to the organisers, the conference is a good opportunity of sharing experiences on how economies and energy utilities can aim at providing Accessible, Affordable, Sustainable, Clean, and Resilient Energy Solutions to Catalyse Economic Development and improve the Standard of Living in African Urban and Rural Communities.

Group photo Hon. Minister Dr. Ernest NSABIMANA with the delegation at Carnegie Melony University in the opening ceremony of 9th Power Africa Conference in the city of Kigali.