Kigali- Rwanda has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing a clean, affordable, reliable and sustainable energy transition as the 8th Australia–Africa Clean Energy Conference (CEAA 2026) officially opened in Kigali.

The two-day conference, held under the theme “Advancing a Sustainable Future through Clean Energy, Climate Innovation and Critical Minerals for a Just and Inclusive Transition,” brings together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, investors, development partners and energy practitioners from Africa, Australia and beyond.

Officially opening the conference, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Hon. Armand Zingiro, welcomed participants to Kigali and underscored the importance of international and regional partnerships in addressing the global energy access challenge and unlocking Africa’s vast clean energy potential.

He noted that the global energy transition is no longer a choice, but an economic, environmental and developmental necessity, presenting an opportunity to eradicate energy poverty while building resilient and low-carbon economies.

The Minister highlighted the strong alignment between the conference and the aspirations of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 7, which calls for universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy.

“The global energy transition is no longer a choice; it is an economic, environmental, and developmental necessity. It presents one of the greatest opportunities of our generation to eradicate energy poverty while building resilient, low-carbon economies,” Minister Zingiro said.

Minister Zingiro highlighted Rwanda’s progress in expanding access to electricity, noting that 85.4 percent of Rwandan households currently have access to electricity, compared with just over 20 percent little more than a decade ago.

Of this, 60.1 percent of households are connected to the national grid, while 25.3 percent are served through off-grid renewable energy solutions, primarily solar technologies. Rwanda’s installed electricity generation capacity has also surpassed 467 megawatts, with nearly half coming from renewable energy sources.

The country aims to achieve universal electricity access by 2029, increase the contribution of renewable energy to at least 60 percent of the energy mix by 2030, expand access to clean cooking solutions, modernize transmission infrastructure, deploy battery energy storage systems and accelerate electric mobility.

The Minister emphasized that Rwanda is taking a deliberate approach to developing its energy generation portfolio, recognizing that reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity is essential for economic growth, industrial competitiveness and improved quality of life.

Minister Zingiro further emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and international partnerships in accelerating Africa’s energy transformation.

He highlighted Rwanda’s collaboration with Kenya through frameworks including the East African Community, the Northern Corridor Integration Projects and the Eastern Africa Power Pool, which contribute to strengthening regional power interconnections, facilitating cross-border electricity trade and enhancing energy security.

He also highlighted the growing partnership between Rwanda and Australia through the Australia–Africa Clean Energy Conference platform, which provides opportunities for technology transfer, research collaboration, skills development and private-sector investment.

“Australia’s expertise in renewable energy, battery energy storage systems, green hydrogen, critical minerals and modern electricity networks complements Africa’s abundant renewable energy resources and reinforces our shared ambition to accelerate a just and inclusive clean energy transition,” he said.

Mobilizing Finance for Africa’s Energy Transition

Despite Africa’s significant renewable energy potential, the continent continues to face a major financing gap. Minister Zingiro noted that Africa receives less than two percent of global clean energy investment, despite accounting for almost one-fifth of the world’s population and possessing some of the world’s richest renewable energy resources.

He called for innovative financing mechanisms capable of mobilizing greater private-sector investment, highlighting the potential of blended finance, green bonds, climate investment funds, guarantee mechanisms, sustainability-linked finance and catalytic financing platforms.

The Minister also underscored the potential of high-integrity carbon markets to generate additional financing for renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, forest conservation and ecosystem restoration, while creating jobs and sustainable revenues for local communities.

Speaking at the conference, Mr. Stephen Kuria, Managing Director of the Clean Energy Conference, commended Rwanda for its progress in developing the energy sector and its commitment to clean energy.

He described Rwanda as a strong example for other African countries, particularly in advancing clean energy development and building effective partnerships and cooperation.

“Rwanda is a good example among African countries in advancing the development of the energy sector, especially clean energy, and is also a good example of how cooperation can drive progress,” Mr. Kuria said.

His remarks underscored the importance of Rwanda’s experience and the role of partnerships in accelerating practical solutions to Africa’s energy challenges.

From Dialogue to Action

The 8th Australia–Africa Clean Energy Conference provides a platform for stakeholders to exchange knowledge, showcase innovative solutions, strengthen partnerships and mobilize investments in clean energy, climate innovation and critical minerals.

Minister Zingiro called on participants to ensure that the conference delivers tangible outcomes beyond discussions, emphasizing the importance of partnerships, investments and projects that can contribute to Africa’s sustainable development.

“Energy is the foundation of prosperity. This conference should therefore be remembered not only for the quality of its discussions, but for the partnerships it creates, the investments it mobilizes and the projects it launches,” he said.

He reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to working with partners across Africa, Australia and beyond to accelerate the continent’s clean energy transition.

“Together, we can transform Africa’s immense clean energy potential into inclusive economic growth and shared prosperity,” Minister Zingiro said.