Rwanda has called for increased investment in off-grid solar energy to help achieve universal electricity access by 2029, as the Global Off-Grid Solar Forum & Expo 2026 continues in Kigali.
Speaking at the opening of the three-day forum on October 27, State Minister in the Ministry of Infrastructure Armand Zingiro said electricity access must translate into economic opportunities and improved livelihoods.
“Our goal is not simply to bring electricity into homes, but to enable productive economic activities, create jobs and improve people’s livelihoods,” he said
The forum, held at the Kigali Convention Centre from October 27 to 29, brings together government officials, investors, energy companies and development partners to explore ways of expanding affordable and reliable electricity through decentralized renewable energy.
Rwanda is pursuing universal electricity access by 2029 through a combination of grid expansion and off-grid solutions, particularly solar systems for communities that are difficult or costly to connect to the national network.
Figures cited by the Ministry of Infrastructure show that 84.6% of households had access to electricity by the end of July 2025. Grid connections accounted for 59.6%, while off-grid sources, mainly solar, accounted for 25%.
Zingiro said greater investment, access to credit and stronger cooperation between governments and private companies would be needed to expand access.
The forum is jointly organized by GOGLA and the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), with Rwanda’s Ministry of Infrastructure as co-host.
A market report released at the event estimates that off-grid solar could provide the least-cost electricity solution for at least 398 million people who currently lack power. Reaching these populations by 2030 would require an estimated $11.4 billion in investment, according to the report. The discussions are expected to focus on financing, affordability, technology and partnerships to accelerate electricity access across Africa.
