Hip hop artist Akon expected in Rwanda for power initiative

Senegalese-American R&B and hip pop artist Akon is expected in Rwanda Tuesday as part of his African tour to promote his initiative to bring electricity to the continent dubbed "Akon Lighting Africa".

Akon is due to hold discussions with Rwandan officials including Minister of Infrastructure James Musoni, about the implementation of renewable power generation projects under his initiative.

The Akon Lighting Africa is reported to have secured a one billion U.S. dollar credit line from a Chinese company -- China Jiangsu International Group.

Rwanda is said to be among the 14 African nations where Akon plans to launch his initiative that aims to bring electricity to 600 million Africans, especially those in rural parts.

Akon recently opened up his "Solar Academy" in Mali that provides training for African engineers and entrepreneurs on skills to develop solar power.

It is estimated that only 23 percent of Rwanda's population has access to electricity.

Firewood remains the main source of energy in the country, particularly in rural areas, with about 93 percent of the population depending on it.

Official statistics show that at least 80 percent of the electricity generated in the country, mainly by hydro-electric dams, is distributed in the capital city Kigali and its surrounding area, where only 5 percent of the total population live.

A falling water level in rivers powering hydroelectric dams has worsened the situation.

The Rwandan government has started a national campaign that promotes the use of energy-saving appliances, and has inaugurated two micro hydro-power projects in the southern region with a total capacity of 28 megawatts. Enditem