Powering Burundi’s solar future: PUM returns with impact

After an eight-year absence, PUM has made a meaningful return to Burundi, boosting the sustainable development of solar energy. In collaboration with LifeXpress, a dynamic, fast-growing technical services company, PUM experts delivered a technical and financial training programme to build local capacity in renewable energy. The solar sessions brought together over 35 participants, including women and students, reflecting an inclusive and forward-thinking approach.

Headquartered in Bujumbura, LifeXpress operates across Burundi, Uganda, and Rwanda. Under the inspiring and charismatic leadership of CEO Patrick Munezero, the LifeXpress delivers a wide range of products in the fields of electricity, IT, civil engineering, and equipment maintenance. The company’s outstanding technical services allow customers to focus on their core business. With growing demand for solar energy solutions in the region, LifeXpress aims to expand its capacity into this new field. However, with only a few trained technicians, the company recognized the need to build internal knowledge to meet future demand.

Partnering for progress
Recognising this need to scale up, LifeXpress partnered with PUM to enhance its expertise in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The result was a two-week, in-depth training programme led by PUM expert Martijn Schootstra, focused on practical and theoretical aspects of solar energy.

In early 2025, PUM expert Martijn Schootstra travelled to Bujumbura to conduct an intensive, two-week training programme in solar systems. The sessions included theory, practical demonstrations, and site visits. A group of 35 participants, from LifeXpress, partner companies, and female students from Université Technique du Burundi, were equipped with vital technical skills. Held at the Best Outlook Hotel in Bujumbura, the sessions were interactive and practical. The 35 participants gained hands-on experience with solar equipment brought from the Netherlands. Topics ranged from system design and solar pumping to installation best practices. A highlight was the group visit to a rooftop solar installation under construction for a local bank, offering a real-world case study of solar in action.

Afternoon sessions were reserved for in-depth discussions with LifeXpress management, covering project sizing, sourcing, and quotations. All training materials, including supplier data sheets and manuals, were shared with participants. The programme concluded with a certificate ceremony attended by key stakeholders, including Ted Hunink, Deputy Head of Mission at the Dutch Embassy in Burundi.

After the two weeks training, PUM expert Ton Nijensteen delivered a remote master classes for LifeXpress management, focusing on how to prepare investment plans and requests for funding of PV Solar projects. Topics included cost-benefit analysis, external financing, leasing, and the structuring of Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contracts.

This training, advice and guidance were timely delivered by PUM experts, as LifeXpress just started positioning itself as an EPC contractor for solar projects. The sessions also addressed challenges the company faces in securing grants and loans, equipping management with actionable advice to improve funding applications and develop a credible project track record. Subsequently, both Martijn and Ton engaged with LifeXpress on some follow-up advisory, which might probably lead to some additional PUM activities with LifeXpress and hopefully with other companies in Burundi as well.

Looking ahead: from training to transformation
The return of PUM to Burundi marks a significant milestone in supporting sustainable energy growth in the region. Following the success of the collaboration with PUM, LifeXpress applied for another project to strengthen its IT systems: this is currently being implemented by PUM’s ICT & Incubators sector with remote advice and on location.

More than just technical training, this collaboration lays the groundwork for long-term impact. LifeXpress is now better positioned to become a regional leader in solar energy, equipped with new skills, better expertise to access external financing, and a diverse, motivated and growing team that includes many women and young professionals.