"East Africa’s Energy Transition Focus at EAPCE’25"

East Africa's Energy Future Takes Center Stage at EAPCE'25

The East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition (EAPCE'25) opens its doors in Dar es Salaam on March 5, 2025, marking a key moment in the region’s energy transition. As East Africa continues to explore vast oil and gas reserves and address growing energy demands, this year’s event will be a pivotal forum for shaping the region’s energy future.

A Crossroad for Investment and Growth

The conference, inaugurated by Tanzanian President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, will bring together over 1,000 policymakers, investors, and industry leaders. The agenda will focus on the exploration, investment, infrastructure, and policy frameworks that will guide the growth of East Africa’s oil and gas sector. With the region at a crossroads, the event offers a critical opportunity to unlock fresh investment, foster collaboration, and secure long-term energy solutions for the East African Community (EAC).

Unlocking Potential through Licensing and Exploration

East Africa is poised to see significant investment flow, particularly through licensing rounds and exploration initiatives. Tanzania’s 5th Licensing Round, which will open both onshore and offshore blocks, is one such initiative. The government hopes to draw interest to areas like Mnazi Bay North, West Songo Songo, and the Eyasi Wembere basins. Kenya is also seeking investment to further develop its South Lokichar Basin, while Rwanda enters the energy scene, inviting exploration of new frontier blocks with pipeline potential.

These efforts signal East Africa's emergence as a regional energy hub with the potential to reshape the sector. Major discoveries could greatly enhance the region’s energy security, drive economic growth, and secure vital resources for future generations.

Natural Gas: East Africa’s Energy Cornerstone

Natural gas is steadily becoming a critical part of East Africa’s energy strategy, with several countries working to expand infrastructure and increase the domestic use of gas. Tanzania, for example, now generates 34% of its power from natural gas, showcasing how this resource can transform a nation's energy landscape.

Eng. Felchesmi Mramba, Permanent Secretary of Tanzania’s Ministry of Energy, emphasized, “We are committed to ensuring that gas plays a crucial role in East Africa’s industrialization, energy access, and economic growth.”

The conference is expected to delve into issues such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) development, domestic gas markets, and regional energy trade, all of which will be critical to meeting the growing demand for energy in the region.

Policy and Cross-Border Cooperation: The Keys to Success

To fully realize its potential, East Africa will need to strengthen policy frameworks and increase cross-border cooperation. Countries like Tanzania and Mozambique have already enacted gas-specific laws, providing clear guidance for exploration and production. Meanwhile, Kenya and Uganda are revising their petroleum policies to ensure regulatory stability and attract investors.

A major topic of discussion at EAPCE’25 will be the harmonization of policies across EAC member states to create a unified investment environment that fosters long-term growth and stability.

Energy Transition and Cleaner Fuels: Charting the Path Forward

While oil and gas will remain central to East Africa’s energy strategy, the conference will also highlight the region’s commitment to energy transition. As part of this, there will be discussions on cleaner fuels and how East Africa can position itself in the global energy market. The event is set to witness critical deals, announcements, and partnerships that will shape the region’s energy trajectory for years to come.

With EAPCE’25 set to host vital conversations about exploration, investment, and sustainable energy, the decisions made in Dar es Salaam will significantly influence the future of East Africa’s oil and gas sector.

Tanzania's Vision: A Rising Energy Power

Imagine a morning in Tanzania—the sun shines brightly, the air is fresh with the scent of ripe mangoes, and the country’s booming oil and gas sector mirrors the vibrancy of its tropical fruits. Under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania is positioning itself as a powerhouse in both oil and gas exploration and renewable energy.

Tanzania, with its abundant natural resources, is on the brink of tapping into a treasure trove of oil and gas reserves. Its coastal gas resources alone have the potential to bring economic opportunities, boost infrastructure, and create thousands of jobs.

President Samia has been a staunch advocate for clean energy, focusing not just on oil and gas as a fuel source for vehicles, but also on ensuring cleaner alternatives for cooking. Her push for cleaner cooking energy is transforming the daily lives of Tanzanians, helping to create a more sustainable and energy-secure future.

With its abundant reserves and a vision for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, Tanzania is ready to lead the charge in East Africa’s oil and gas exploration, positioning itself as a beacon for both economic growth and clean energy development.