February 2025
Introduction:
As part of the strengthening of collaborations and knowledge sharing in the energy sector, a delegation from “Société Internationale des Energies Lacustres” (SINELAC) paid a working visit to Rusumo Power Company Limited (RPCL). This visit is part of a process of exchange of experiences and good practices between the two entities, both working for the development of energy infrastructure in Africa. The delegation was composed by:
1. Management Team:
- NDAYISABA Fidèle, Managing Director
- MANANGIRAKAMARO Désire, Plant Manager
- BUNANI MUZIBANYI Richard, Finance and Administrative Manager
2. Technical Team
- IRAMBONA Innocent
- MAGA BARHEGINE Bertin
- MPOZENZI Dieudonné
3. Finance and Administrative team
- HABONIMANA Rénovât
- GACANDAGA Jean Marie
- NIYOMWUNGERE Pascal
- CIRHUZA MIGABO Ruphin
Context of the visit:
The purpose of the visit was to strengthen collaborations, share technical expertise, and explore opportunities for future partnerships.
- SINELAC: An organization specialized in the management of lake energy resources, involved in cross-border projects to promote sustainable energy.
- RPCL: A company dedicated to the production of hydroelectric power in the Great Lakes region, in particular through the Rusumo Falls project.
Agenda of the visit:
Follow are the activities that took place during the visit:
- Welcome and presentation of the teams: RPCL representatives welcomed the SINELAC delegation and presented the company's key activities.
- Facility visits: The delegation had the opportunity to visit the Rusumo hydropower facilities, including the power plants and related infrastructure.
- Working sessions: Technical meetings were held to discuss common challenges, technological innovations and strategies to optimize energy production.
Highlights of the exchange:
- Sharing of experiences on the management of cross-border energy projects.
- Discussions on innovative technologies to improve energy efficiency.
- Exploring opportunities for future collaboration, including in the area of training and skills development.
Testimonials:
SINELAC Managing Director explained: “This visit gave us a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the hydropower sector. We look forward to strengthening our collaboration with RPCL."
RPCL Managing Director said: “The exchange with SINELAC was very enriching given its ownership by three Countries Burundi, DRC and Rwanda. Their expertise in the management of a regional hydropower plant on the Ruzizi River is a source of inspiration for RPCL.”
Looking ahead:
The discussion on the next steps:
- Strengthening of partnerships between SINELAC and RPCL.
- Organization of other joint visits and workshops to deepen the exchanges.
- Joint development of sustainable energy projects in the region.
Conclusion:
SINELAC’s visit to Rusumo marks an important milestone in strengthening collaborations between key players in the energy sector in Africa. This exchange of experiences opens the way to new opportunities to promote clean and sustainable energy, beneficial to local communities and the region as a whole.
