The announcement was made on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, during the U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Luanda, Angola, marking a milestone for the first tri-national Public-Private Partnership (PPP) of its kind, involving Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Rwanda.
The 206 MW hydropower plant, located on the Ruzizi River between western Rwanda and eastern DRC, is expected to deliver reliable electricity to approximately 30 million people across the three nations.
The project will nearly double Burundi's current power capacity, increase Rwanda's by 30%, and provide critical baseload power to eastern DRC, fostering economic growth, regional integration, and energy security in one of Africa's most underserved regions.
Anzana, known for developing and operating power projects across Africa, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, with plans to acquire a minority equity interest in RHPCL.
'As an American company committed to powering opportunities across Africa, Anzana is proud to join RHPCL and the governments of Burundi, DRC, and Rwanda at this pivotal moment,' said Brian Kelly, CEO of Anzana.
'Through this partnership, we are not only powering homes, communities, and industries, we are helping to drive regional integration, strengthen energy security and stability, and pave the way for expanded U.S. investment and trade in Africa's energy future,' he added.
RHPCL's Director, Aleem Karmali, echoed this sentiment, stating, ''The Directors of RHPCL are enthusiastic about this potential strategic alliance and, assuming a successful outcome of the partnering process, look forward to harnessing Anzana's expertise and experience to realize the full potential of the Ruzizi III Project, extending critical energy access and fostering development in the region.'
The two parties aim to finalize a binding Partnership Agreement by September 15, 2025, with Anzana acquiring at least a 10% equity stake in RHPCL.
The agreement will define governance, investment commitments, and future collaboration, setting the stage for a project that promises to transform the energy landscape of Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC.
Théophile Niyitegeka
