Volume I: Investment Prospectus Rwanda Electricity Sector Access ...

Figure 2.2 shows that per capita income levels in African nations are closely correlated withthe consumption of electricity. Rwanda has relatively low rates of electricity consumptionand is relatively poorer than other African nations.Figure 2.2: Comparative Data from Africa on GDP and Electricity ConsumptionSource: Ministry of Infrastructure, Rwanda Energy Sector Strategy, 2008The Government believes that electricity is an enabler of economic growth and better socialperformance—enabling improvements in education, better health services, more productivecommercial investments and greater household efficiency. For example, access to electricitywill improve the economics of tea and coffee production, enabling suppliers to expand theiroperations and spurring economic development throughout different regions of Rwanda.The transition to modern energy sources is linked to Government targets that have been setunder the EDPRS and are being actively monitored over time. The EDPRS sets themedium-term framework to 2012 for achieving the long-term aspirations embodied in“Vision 2020” and the “Millennium Development Goals”, focusing on the flagship areas ofgrowth for jobs and export, reducing poverty through increased productive capacity(Umurenge) and improved governance.The energy sector is expected to make an important contribution to achieving these goals byincreasing access to electricity for enterprises and households. The targets that have been setfor expanding electricity access are shown in Table 2.2 (below). While the targets forexpanding electricity access are ambitious, the Government is keen to pursue furtherinitiatives to build implementation capacity and increase funding for the access programmeto exceed the targets, if possible.6