Burundi faces serious climate and environmental challenges. The biggest is the country’s overdependence on the use of biomass (firewood). The second is outdated agricultural practices that have led to deforestation. In turn this has increased the country’s vulnerability to climate shocks.

As I’ve been following Burundi’s progress, even if some challenges need to be addressed, it’s clear that the country has taken a bold step forward with the ambitious target of providing universal electricity access by 2030. T

The equipment comprises 28 electric and solar refrigerators, 20 ice rooms, and 162 boxes used to carry vaccines. Burundi is the fourth country to get this equipment provided by the Africa CDC in partnership with the Master Card Foundation. The others are Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Congo-Brazzaville.

Residents say the most pressing issue to address these days is the unreliable power supply, which can shut down business across the country for hours on end. Some businesses have invested in generators but struggle to find fuel to power them. The supply of petroleum products has been sporadic this year, mostly blamed on foreign currency shortages.

Burundi, like many nations in sub-Saharan Africa, has long grappled with energy poverty, hindering socio-economic growth and limiting opportunities for its citizens. In a significant stride toward sustainable development, the Republic of Burundi recently wintessed the inauguration ceremony of 11 mini-grids.

Burundi, the poorest country on earth, is unable to buy fossil fuels on theinternational market due to a lack of hard currency. pv magazine spoke with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and a PV analyst to assess the true potential of PV in the nation’s current energy crisis.

The much neglected water sector of Burundi has received a funding boost which is expected to improve the lives of rural communities across the country. The project will help create 18 latest-generation water supply systems powered by sustainable energy sources, such as solar.

A new privately-owned and operated electricity company is set to bring grid power to almost 70% of the population in Burundi. Weza Power is the result of a multi-year development partnership between Virunga Power and the Government of Burundi.

Good news for Amped Innovation. As part of its operations in Burundi, the company based in San Mateo, California, in the United States of America, has received funding of one million dollars. The funds come from the country window of the Electrification Financing Initiative (EDFI ElectriFI) for Burundi.

By embracing energy efficiency, industries in Burundi can not only enhance their competitiveness and contribute to the country’s economic diversification but also play a pivotal role in the global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development.