Last updated: 5 January 2025
When you are going on a trip to Rwanda, be sure to pack the appropriate travel plug adapter that fits the local sockets. But what do those electrical outlets look like? Rwanda takes a mix-and-match approach to electrical plugs and receptacles. European two-pin plugs (types C, E and F) along with British three-pin plugs (type G) are all used across the country.
Just like in most of Africa, the voltage in Rwanda is 230 volts and the frequency is 50 Hz.
An ungrounded plug with plastic earth pin.
As former Belgian colonies, Rwanda and its neighbours Congo-Kinshasa and Burundi have standardized on the Belgian type E plug and socket system. Unearthed type C plugs are the most commonly used plugs and of course they can safely be used thanks to their compatibility with type E receptacles. Sometimes (but rarely) the fully compatible type F wall outlets can be found in Rwanda as well.
Since the early 2000s, Rwanda’s trade with its neighbours to the east (Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya) has significantly increased, and imports from these countries have risen sharply. As former British colonies, Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya use the British type G plug and socket system, and all electrical devices (white goods, microwave ovens, kettles, coffee makers, etc.) that they export to Rwanda come with a type G plug.
So, today Rwanda takes a mix-and-match approach to electrical plugs and receptacles. Homes sometimes have type C and E sockets, sometimes type G, sometimes both. At local markets you can buy extension leads with multiple sockets (made by carpenters!) for about $10 / €10 / £8. As you can see in the picture, these extension cords are highly dangerous!
In Rwandan homes with only British type G sockets, people still use type C plugs without an adapter. They simply force the plug into the socket by sticking a pointy object into the centre hole of the power outlet, which opens up the two other holes. Needless to say, this can be dangerous.
Click here for a global map showing the spread of the different plug types used around the world.
Click here for a detailed list of the countries of the world with their respective plug and outlet types, voltage and frequency.
