Powering East Africa: A New Era of Energy Cooperation
Arusha, Tanzania, Jan 30 – East Africa’s energy sector is undergoing rapid expansion, with strong prospects for future growth. This was the central message as the East Africa Energy Cooperation Summit (EA-ECS) commenced its two-day event in Arusha.
Bringing together key energy stakeholders, investors, and policymakers, the summit was officially opened by Jean-Baptiste Havugimana, Director of Productive Sectors at the East African Community (EAC). He emphasized that while electricity access across the region remains below 50% on average, some countries, such as Kenya, have surpassed 75%.
“The EAC Secretariat is working closely with all Member States to improve access through shared mini hydro power grids along border regions and the development of a regional power exchange market,” Mr. Havugimana stated.
With abundant natural resources and large-scale projects, East Africa is well-positioned for significant market expansion. During a roundtable discussion titled Powering East Africa – The Time Is Now, leaders from Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania outlined their long-term energy strategies.
Costa Rubagumya, Deputy MD of TANESCO, Tanzania, highlighted the country’s ambitious target of connecting 1.6 million new customers annually, a threefold increase from the current rate.
Under the theme Resource Wealth. Energy Access. Investment Opportunities, the summit also emphasized the need for alternative energy sources to ensure grid stability and support industrial growth.
Joseph Siror, Managing Director of Kenya Power and Lighting (KPLC), underscored the urgency of diversifying energy sources beyond hydroelectric power. Given climate change and unpredictable weather patterns, he advocated for integrating geothermal, solar, wind, and biogas energy.
The EA-ECS is uniting leading political figures and energy experts from across the EAC, alongside private sector developers shaping the region’s energy future.
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By Alex RUKUNDO
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