East Africa Energy Cooperation Summit: Driving Energy Innovation Across the Region

By The Inspirer.

Arusha, Tanzania, Jan 30 – The East African region’s energy sector is rapidly expanding, with promising future growth on the horizon. This was the key takeaway from the East Africa Energy Cooperation Summit (EA-ECS) as the two-day event kicked off in Arusha.

The summit, attended by energy stakeholders, investors, and policymakers, was officially opened by Jean-Baptiste Havugimana, Director of Productive Sectors at the East African Community (EAC). During his speech, he highlighted that the average access to electricity in the region remains below 50%, though countries like Kenya have surpassed 75% access.

“The EAC Secretariat is working closely with all Member States to increase this access. Shared mini hydro power grids along border regions and the establishment of a regional power exchange market are key strategies,” said Mr. Havugimana.

East Africa’s abundant natural resources and large-scale projects position the region for unprecedented market expansion. In the roundtable titled Powering East Africa – The Time Is Now, leaders from Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania discussed future energy visions and roadmaps.

Costa Rubagumya, Deputy MD of TANESCO, Tanzania, emphasized the country’s goal of connecting 1.6 million new customers annually, tripling the current number.

The summit, themed “Resource Wealth. Energy Access. Investment Opportunities,” also focused on the push for alternative energy sources. Key discussions included diversifying the energy mix to ensure grid stability and supporting industrial expansion.

Joseph Siror, Managing Director of Kenya Power and Lighting (KPLC), stressed that East African nations must move away from an overreliance on hydroelectric power. He highlighted climate change and unpredictable weather patterns, calling for the integration of geothermal, solar, wind, and biogas power sources.

The EA-ECS is bringing together prominent political leaders and energy sector experts from across the EAC, alongside private sector developers shaping East Africa’s energy future.

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