Songa Energy is developing two run-of-river hydropower plants in rural Burundi. We work with local communities and the national utility company to extend transmission lines into the area surrounding the hydroelectric plants, providing much needed electricity to hundreds of thousands of homes, businesses and public institutions. With mountainous terrain and consistent surface water flow, Burundi is an ideal country for development of small hydropower.
In 2015 Songa Energy began investigating several locations across Burundi and was granted rights to study four hydropower sites in central Burundi. Songa Energy prioritized two of the four sites for immediate development – with a combined capacity of over 10MW, and prefeasibility studies for both sites were completed in 2016. Power purchase agreements and PPP agreements have been signed for both sites, and detailed studies and design were completed in 2022. Construction of the Upper Ruvyironza project began on 24 May 2023 and the plant started delivering power to the Burundi national grid in April 2025. Construction of the Upper Mulembwe project is ongoing.
Songa Energy is focused on strengthening Burundi’s energy sector through the development and operation of run-of-river hydropower projects. We recognise that reliable electricity is an important enabler of economic and social progress, supporting agriculture, healthcare, education, enterprise and local communities. Our approach is informed by local knowledge, technical expertise and decades of experience living and working across Africa.
Burundi continues to attract investment into key sectors of the economy, supported by government efforts to expand electricity access and support long-term growth. Having operated in Burundi for more than two decades, our team has built strong local relationships and a thorough understanding of the country’s operating environment, positioning Songa Energy to contribute to its long-term priorities.
Songa Energy Burundi is a portfolio company of Anzana Electric Group, who is leading investment and structuring, engineering design and optimization, tendering, construction management and operations.
