Donat Niyonzima

Donat Niyonzima has a diverse work experience spanning multiple organizations and roles. Donat started their career in 2008 as an Independent Consultant, working with various local and international organizations on projects involving data collection, project evaluation, and energy studies coordination. In 2008, they also joined ZTE Corporation as an Overseas Logistics Manager.

In 2014, Niyonzima became the Director General of the Energy and Water Regulatory Authority (AREEN) in Burundi. During their tenure, they established the first regulatory entity for energy and water utilities in the country and implemented extensive reforms such as new tariff structures and regulatory frameworks. Donat also worked as the Chairman of the Energy Regulatory Association for East Africa, focusing on harmonizing regulatory practices across the region. Niyonzima held this position until February 2019.

Since 2019, Niyonzima has been involved with Virunga Power, an African renewable energy investor, developer, and operator. Donat initially served as a Senior Business Development Consultant, where they managed government relations and regulatory matters in Burundi and provided business development support in Kenya and other regions. In January 2021, Niyonzima was promoted to the role of Director of Business Development, where they continue to contribute their expertise in contracts development, negotiation, and project management.

Donat Niyonzima completed their secondary education at the Petit Seminaire de Dutwe from 1994 to 2001. Donat obtained a Diplôme des Humanités+Diplôme d'Etat, ranking first nationally in the EXETAT exams. From 2002 to 2007, they pursued a Bachelor's degree (Bac+4) in Economie Politique at the Université du Burundi, specifically at the Faculté des Sciences Economiques et Admnistratives.

In 2018, Donat Niyonzima earned an Accredited Finance Analyst Certificate (AFA) from the Global Academy of Finance and Management, specializing in finance. During the same year, they also pursued a Master's degree in MBA, Strategic Management at Mount Kenya University (MKU).

Donat Niyonzima expanded their knowledge and acquired additional certifications over the years. Donat completed a Certificate program at the University of Florida's Warrington College of Business in 2016. In 2019, they obtained an E&S Certificate from IBIS CONSULTING EAST AFRICA. Additionally, they received a Certificate of Completion in Energy Utilities Regulation from Michigan State University (14-day program).

As a recognized expert in Energy Utilities Regulation, they furthered their expertise with a certification in the same field from the Florence School of Regulation - FSR Energy in July 2019.