Construction of the Nyabarongo II Multipurpose Dam has reached about 75% completion, with the project expected to be finished by the end of 2027, according to the Rwanda Energy Group (REG).
The major infrastructure project is being developed along the Nyabarongo River between Gakenke and Kamonyi districts.
Once completed, the project will generate 43.5 megawatts (MW) of electricity, adding much-needed renewable power to Rwanda’s national grid and strengthening the country’s domestic electricity generation capacity.
REG says the project is expected to contribute to a more reliable and affordable electricity supply for households, businesses and industries.
However, the dam is designed to serve a much broader purpose than electricity generation.
It is a multipurpose water infrastructure project intended to combine power generation with water management, irrigation and flood control.
A reservoir with multiple uses
One of the project’s most important components will be its large reservoir, which will store water and help regulate the flow of the Nyabarongo River.
The regulated water supply is expected to support irrigation downstream, helping expand agricultural production and improve the reliability of farming activities, particularly during periods of limited rainfall.
REG has previously indicated that the project could help reclaim and support agricultural use of large areas of land downstream.
The dam is also expected to strengthen flood management by controlling water flows and reducing the impact of flooding downstream.
This is particularly significant because flooding along the Nyabarongo and Akagera river systems has repeatedly affected communities, wetlands, infrastructure and agricultural land.
Beyond agriculture and disaster management, the reservoir is expected to create opportunities for inland water transport, tourism and other economic activities.
The Government has also indicated that the reservoir could accommodate floating solar installations, potentially adding further renewable-energy capacity in the future.
What completion will mean for the country
The completion of Nyabarongo II is therefore expected to deliver several benefits simultaneously: more electricity, improved water management, expanded irrigation, stronger flood protection and new opportunities for economic development around the reservoir.
The project forms part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to increase renewable-energy generation while reducing reliance on more expensive and non-renewable sources. Its 43.5MW power station will be connected to the national grid through a transmission line to the Rulindo substation.
With construction now around three-quarters complete, authorities are pushing contractors to maintain momentum and meet the revised end-2027 completion target. When operational, Nyabarongo II is expected to become one of the country’s most important pieces of multipurpose infrastructure, linking energy production with agriculture, water security, climate resilience and local economic development.
