- The EU will launch the EDFI ElectriFI and GET.invest programmes in Burundi.
- The programmes are aimed at increasing the deployment of clean energy solutions in the country.
- Burundi has an installed electricity generation capacity of 39MW.
The European Union (EU) is set to launch its EDFI ElectriFI and GET.invest programmes in Burundi to encourage private sector investment in clean energy. The EDFI ElectriFI (Electrification Financing Initiative) programme is an impact investment facility that provides finance for start-ups and private projects that increase electricity connections and develop clean energy capacity.
EDFI ElectriFI supports the deployment of off-grid clean energy solutions in Africa. GET.invest helps to build sustainable energy markets in partner countries in targets private sector companies and project developers, financial partners and regulators to build sustainable energy markets partner countries. Both programmes will receive initial funding of €10.6 million (24 billion Burundian francs).
The EDFI ElectriFI and GET. Invest programmes are set to be implemented by management company EDFI-MC and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the German agency for international development cooperation, respectively. Burundi currently has one of the lowest electrification rates on the continent (11 per cent). According to African Development Bank (AfDB) estimates, the country only has an installed capacity of 39MW.