AfDB and AIIB mobilize $300 million to expand access to clean energy in Rwanda

By Global Infrastructure Sherpa · Feb 19, 2026

Financing Solar announced Rwanda Feb 19, 2026

USD300M

Deal Value

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) are mobilizing $300 million to expand access to clean energy in Rwanda. The program includes more than 200,000 new connections to Rwanda's electricity grid and provides for the installation of 50,000 home solar systems.

Deal Analysis

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) are jointly mobilizing $300 million in financing to expand access to clean energy in Rwanda. This initiative aims to connect over 200,000 households to the electricity grid and provide 50,000 home solar systems. The borrower is the government of Rwanda, specifically the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA), highlighting the government's commitment to improving energy access for its citizens. This financing deal, announced in February 2026, signifies a concerted effort to address energy poverty and promote sustainable development in the region. The involvement of both the AfDB and AIIB underscores the growing importance of cross-continental collaboration in addressing infrastructure deficits in Africa. The deal's focus on both grid expansion and off-grid solar solutions suggests a comprehensive approach to reaching diverse populations and geographical areas within Rwanda. This investment is likely to stimulate economic activity, improve living standards, and contribute to Rwanda's broader development goals. The deal's success could serve as a model for similar initiatives in other African nations facing similar energy access challenges.

Mobilization of $300 million in financing.
Involvement of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
Target of 200,000 new grid connections and 50,000 home solar systems.
Focus on expanding access to clean energy in Rwanda.

Market Context: The energy sector in Rwanda, like many developing nations, faces the challenge of providing reliable and affordable electricity to a growing population. This deal reflects a broader trend of increasing investment in renewable energy solutions, particularly solar, to address energy access gaps and promote sustainable development in the region.

Source Intelligence

KEY DETAILS

The project uses results-based financing. It comprises $200 million approved by the AfDB in July 2025 and $100 million contributed by the AIIB. Disbursements will be made once targets are verified. The program includes more than 200,000 new connections to Rwanda's electricity grid. It also provides for the installation of 50,000 home solar systems for low-income households, the distribution of more than 100,000 clean cooking solutions, and the installation of around 2,000 solar water heaters for households and small businesses. The initiative will also improve supply quality for 850 commercial and industrial customers. The program is expected to generate at least 6,000 direct and indirect jobs.

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Deal Size

AfDB, AIIB mobilize $300 million for Rwanda clean energy

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Location

AfDB, AIIB mobilize $300 million for Rwanda clean energy

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Announcement

Thursday, 19 February 2026 17:16

PARTIES MENTIONED IN SOURCE

African Development Bank lender

"The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) are mobilizing $300 million to expand access to clean energy in Rwanda."

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank lender

"The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) are mobilizing $300 million to expand access to clean energy in Rwanda."

PowerGen Renewable Energy partner

"In January 2025, the bank supported the launch of a renewable energy platform with PowerGen Renewable Energy and international partners."

International Finance Corporation (IFC) partner

"In October 2025, the AfDB, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and other partners appointed Inspired Evolution as manager of the Zafiri Fund, which invests equity in decentralized renewable energy."

Inspired Evolution manager

high quality Enriched Feb 23, 2026