Bujumbura, Burundi – June 18, 2024: Despite emerging from a period of political turmoil, Burundi continues to grapple with severe economic challenges, particularly due to widespread power outages. These blackouts, which frequently last for more than two hours, are exacerbating the nation’s already difficult economic conditions and stalling efforts toward recovery and development.
The small, landlocked East African country has historically faced significant hardships, with the United Nations often describing it as one of the world's poorest nations. A range of commodities, including fuel and sugar, has been in short supply in recent months, but the electricity shortage has been especially detrimental.
Daily power cuts have become a harsh reality for the majority of Burundians. The outages are not only unusual for the region but are particularly damaging for a country struggling to recover from years of isolation and limited international support. The current administration, under President Evariste Ndayishimiye, has pledged to implement reforms and has seen some progress, such as the easing of sanctions by the European Union and the United States. However, the return of development assistance has been slow, leaving everyday citizens to bear the brunt of these challenges.
In January, the World Bank announced a $40 million grant to aid the Burundian government in addressing acute commodity shortages and to improve the credibility of the country's financial system. Yet, complications have persisted, such as the closure of the border with Rwanda due to accusations of rebel support, which has further strained trade relationships and economic stability.
Burundi’s economy remains heavily reliant on donor support, with few exports to bolster its financial independence. The closure of the Rwandan border has had a significant impact, despite government assurances that the border issue is not the primary cause of commodity shortages. The majority of Burundi's trade now flows through the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The erratic power supply is one of the most pressing issues for residents and businesses alike. Hairdresser Anicet Manirambona from Ngozi expressed her frustration with frequent electricity cuts, which disrupt her work and drive customers away. "It can take several hours," she said. "Angry, the customer decides to leave and will never come back again."
Businesses that can afford it have turned to generators to mitigate the impact of power cuts, but the ongoing fuel shortages, largely attributed to foreign currency deficits, make this an unreliable solution. Bénigne Magendero, director of Radio Buntu in Ngozi, highlighted the challenges: "We are sometimes forced to temporarily interrupt our programs because of the power cut when it is not as easy to obtain fuel to power the generator."
Official data reveals that Burundi’s installed electrical capacity is approximately 115 megawatts, with less than 15% of the population connected to the national grid. The country's development plan aims to increase this capacity to 400 megawatts by 2027 to support its industrialization goals. However, outdated equipment, some dating back to the 1960s, continues to be a significant obstacle.
To address these issues, the government is constructing new hydroelectric power plants, including one in Cibitoke province that will add 20 megawatts to the grid. Two additional plants are expected to contribute a combined 76 megawatts later this year. Regideso, the state-owned utility company, is spearheading these efforts, which are critical for boosting the nation's energy capacity and fostering economic growth.
For many Burundians, like Evariste Hakizimana, director of a printing company in the commercial capital of Bujumbura, the unreliable electricity supply is a significant hindrance to business operations and the country’s economic reputation. "When we launch our business, our first priority is to satisfy our customers," Hakizimana said. "The erratic power in Burundi has an impact on the reputation of the company."
As Burundi continues to navigate its path toward stability and economic growth, the challenges posed by energy shortages highlight the need for sustained international support and robust infrastructural development. Only through addressing these critical issues can the country hope to achieve its development goals and improve the lives of its citizens.