Anzana Electric Group – “Songa Energy” Small Hydro Projects (Burundi)

This case study describes a partnership between Anzana Electric Group (formerly Virunga Power) and Songa Energy to develop small hydro projects in Burundi, aiming to establish a rural utility through a private concession.

• Burundi faces severe electricity access challenges, ranking as the third worst globally, with only 5% of the population having home electricity access, 95% of which is concentrated in the capital, Bujumbura. Development is further hindered by political instability, unclear power regulations, and a lack of precedent for private renewable energy projects.
• Songa Energy and Virunga Power are seeking financing for the construction of two initial small hydro projects with a combined estimated cost of USD 32 million. The partnership leverages Virunga Power's expertise in contracting and stakeholder engagement, including work with Power Africa, to help Songa Energy draft the necessary legislation and contracts to attract capital.
• The long-term strategy for Songa Energy and Virunga Power involves developing further renewable energy projects and interconnected distribution assets following the completion of the first two hydro projects, with the goal of forming a rural utility via a private concession.

APA

Alliance for Renewable Electrification (2018). Anzana Electric Group – “Songa Energy” Small Hydro Projects (Burundi). https://renewelec.org/case-study/anzana-electric-group-songa-energy-small-hydro-projects-burundi/

Chicago

Alliance for Renewable Electrification. Anzana Electric Group – “Songa Energy” Small Hydro Projects (Burundi). 2018. https://renewelec.org/case-study/anzana-electric-group-songa-energy-small-hydro-projects-burundi/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Alliance for Renewable Electrification |title=Anzana Electric Group – “Songa Energy” Small Hydro Projects (Burundi) |date=17 October 2018 |url=https://renewelec.org/case-study/anzana-electric-group-songa-energy-small-hydro-projects-burundi/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{allianceforrenewableelectrification2018anzana, author = {{Alliance for Renewable Electrification}}, title = {{Anzana Electric Group – “Songa Energy” Small Hydro Projects (Burundi)}}, institution = {Alliance for Renewable Electrification}, year = {2018}, month = oct, url = {https://renewelec.org/case-study/anzana-electric-group-songa-energy-small-hydro-projects-burundi/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }