East African Community (EAC) Partner States have been urged to embrace the latest technological advancements to align the region’s oil and gas sector with global clean energy transition goals.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 11th East Africa Petroleum Conference and Exhibition in Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar’s President Hussein Ali Mwinyi called on EAC member states to accelerate the exploration and production of petroleum resources while incorporating new technologies.
“We are witnessing breakthroughs, from sophisticated extraction techniques for petroleum in tight reservoirs to transforming our approach to decarbonizing industries,” said Mwinyi.
Funding Challenges and the Need for a Petroleum Fund
Mwinyi highlighted funding as the primary bottleneck for developing the petroleum industry in East Africa. He noted that global financial institutions and export credit agencies are increasingly hesitant to support fossil fuel projects due to climate change concerns.
“Partner States must reflect on how to overcome this challenge and advance our petroleum resources while implementing energy transition plans effectively. Establishing a petroleum fund would go a long way in addressing many of these challenges,” he said.
Mwinyi pointed to the African Petroleum Producers Organisation’s partnership with the African Export-Import Bank as an example. The collaboration aims to create the African Energy Bank, designed to support oil and gas projects amid the global shift toward clean energy.
“Traditional financiers on whom Africa has relied for decades are withdrawing their support, particularly in Africa. We must find alternative solutions to ensure our energy security,” he added.
Strengthening Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure
Mwinyi emphasized the importance of cross-border infrastructure to maximize the benefits of East Africa’s petroleum resources. He cited the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), which runs from Uganda’s Lake Albert region to Tanzania’s port city of Tanga, as a landmark project.
“The need for implementing more cross-border oil and gas infrastructure cannot be overstated. Through this infrastructure, the region can efficiently harness petroleum resources for the greater good of Partner States,” he said.
Mwinyi also encouraged more exploration efforts, stating that increased discoveries would position East Africa as a key player in the global energy market.
“We should do more licensing rounds, participate in roadshows and conferences, and aggressively promote investment in the petroleum upstream operations,” he said.
Balancing Fossil Fuels and the Clean Energy Transition
While advocating for the development of petroleum resources, Mwinyi acknowledged the urgency of the global energy transition and the need to mitigate climate change effects.
“The oil and gas sector has a pivotal role to play in the energy transition agenda and other crucial aspirations such as the Mission 300 initiative,” he said.
Mission 300 is a World Bank Group and African Development Bank-led initiative that aims to provide electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030. According to recent data, nearly 600 million people—about 83% of Africa’s population—lack access to electricity.
Mwinyi noted that Tanzania has successfully leveraged a petroleum product levy to fund its rural electrification program, ensuring electricity access in all villages.
Conference Highlights and the Future of Energy in East Africa
The conference brought together key stakeholders, including Tanzania’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Doto Mashaka Biteko, Zanzibar’s Minister for the Blue Economy and Fisheries Shabaan Ali Othman, permanent secretaries, regional leaders, and board members of state corporations in the oil and gas sector.
EAPCE’25, themed "Unlocking Investment in Future Energy: The Role of Petroleum Resources in the Energy Mix for Sustainable Development in East Africa," aimed to explore the role of petroleum in the region’s energy future.
The event featured technical presentations, exhibitions, and discussions on policy, regulatory frameworks, and investment opportunities in the oil and gas sector. Delegates also had the chance to participate in field excursions to geological sites and ongoing energy projects.
The EAC has set a vision for 2050 to ensure a sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy supply for the region. As part of this strategy, East Africa is looking to integrate petroleum with other energy sources, including nuclear, solar, and wind power.
“With over 90% of electricity in the region already coming from clean sources, the focus should be on developing targeted policies to support energy diversification,” Mwinyi said.
The conference concluded with a call for more investments, collaborations, and technological innovations to drive East Africa’s energy future while balancing economic growth and environmental sustainability.
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