KIGALI, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The fifth edition of the Renewable Energy for Sustainable Growth Conference and Exhibition opened Tuesday in Kigali, Rwanda's capital, with calls for advancing Africa's renewable energy transition.
The event, held under the theme "Empowering Africa's Energy Future: Innovation, Transition, and Sustainability," has brought together policymakers, investors, and researchers for high-level dialogues, technical sessions, and networking aimed at boosting clean energy adoption across the continent.
Michelle Umurungi, chief investment officer at the Rwanda Development Board, underscored the importance of public-private partnerships, highlighting the role of the Energy Private Developers association in facilitating knowledge transfer, linking Rwandan opportunities with global investors, advocating for enabling policies, and strengthening local supply chains and expertise.
Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, Rwanda's minister of state for infrastructure, reaffirmed the country's ambition to expand installed generation capacity to 615 MW by 2030, increase the share of renewables in the energy mix to 60 percent, and achieve universal access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy.
Ivan Twagirashema, chairperson of Rwanda Energy Private Developers, stressed the private sector's central role in shaping Rwanda's sustainable energy future. "Together, we aim to create opportunities that will drive investment, innovation, and inclusive growth," he said.
Running through Friday, the forum features more than 10 Rwandan exhibitors showcasing innovations in solar, hydro, wind, biomass, energy storage, and digital energy solutions. Organizers say it will serve as a platform for business matchmaking, investment mobilization, and knowledge exchange among governments, private sector actors, and development partners.
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