EAPCE’25: East Africa’s energy future in focus as region gears up for landmark conference

As the East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition (EAPCE’25) kicks off on March 5, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, the region stands at a pivotal moment in its energy transition.

With vast untapped oil and gas reserves, growing investment opportunities, and an increasing need for energy security and sustainability, this year’s event will shape the course of East Africa’s energy future.

The conference, to be opened by Tanzania’s President, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, will bring together policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to discuss exploration, investment, infrastructure, and policy frameworks for the oil and gas sector.

It is expected to host over 1,000 delegates, providing a platform for investment, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration among East African Community (EAC) member states.

In a way, East Africa is poised to unlock new investment opportunities with the launch of several licensing rounds. Tanzania’s 5th Licensing Round will open onshore and offshore blocks, aiming to attract investors to Mnazi Bay North, West Songo Songo, and Eyasi Wembere basins. In attendance, Kenya is looking to build on its South Lokichar Basin discoveries by inviting investors to explore new frontier blocks with pipeline potential, while Rwanda’s exploration push signals its entry into the regional energy landscape.

These initiatives are expected to draw significant investor interest, potentially leading to major oil and gas discoveries that could reshape the region’s energy sector.

Natural gas is becoming a central pillar of East Africa’s energy strategy, with several countries focusing on expanding infrastructure, boosting domestic utilization, and monetizing gas resources.

Tanzania has demonstrated how gas can transform a nation, with 34 per cent of its power generation now sourced from natural gas.

“We are committed to ensuring that gas plays a crucial role in East Africa’s industrialization, energy access, and economic growth,” said Eng. Felchesmi Mramba,

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Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy. Expect discussions on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) development, domestic gas markets, and regional trade to dominate conversations at EAPCE’25.

For East Africa to fully realize its petroleum potential, stronger policy frameworks and cross-border cooperation will be essential.

Tanzania and Mozambique have already enacted gas-specific laws to guide exploration and production, while Kenya and Uganda are refining their petroleum policies to ensure regulatory stability and investor confidence.

Harmonization of policies across EAC states will be a key discussion point, aimed at creating a cohesive investment environment that fosters long-term growth.

Beyond oil and gas, EAPCE’25 will also focus on energy transition strategies, the role of cleaner fuels, and how the region can position itself in the global energy market.

With critical deals expected to be signed and major announcements on exploration and investment, all eyes will be on East Africa.

The decisions made at this conference will shape the energy trajectory of the region for years to come.

With EAPCE’25 just days away, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders are gearing up for discussions that will shape the region’s energy landscape.

The conference is expected to set the stage for transformative decisions that will drive East Africa’s oil and gas sector forward.

Or picture this: it is a beautiful morning in Tanzania.

The sun’s shining, the coffee is brewing, and the air is filled with the scent of fresh mangos.

Now, imagine that the country’s booming oil and gas sector is as vibrant as its tropical fruits, and the person leading the charge is none other than President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Yes, you read that right – oil, gas, and green energy all under one very capable roof. Why shouldn’t Tanzania lead the charge in the exploration of oil and gas? Let us break it down with a bit of humor and a dash of ambition.

First, let us talk about Tanzania’s vast untapped potential. The country sits on vast natural resources, and like a treasure chest just waiting to be unlocked, it’s rich with the promise of oil and gas reserves.

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But why should Tanzania take the lead? Simple. If we are talking about oil and gas, Tanzania is like that quiet kid in class who aces the final exam, but only after everyone else realizes the kid’s been studying the whole time. Tanzania’s time has come.

With abundant reserves of natural gas already discovered off the coast, it is like finding a golden ticket. Imagine the economic opportunities, the infrastructure boom, and let us not forget – the jobs!

Now, let us bring in President Samia, who has been tirelessly pushing for cleaner cooking energy in Tanzania. It is a vision that ties perfectly with the future of oil and gas exploration.

While many might think of oil and gas as just the fuel for cars, planes, and – let us be real – that slow-moving boat that could really use a bit more speed, President Samia is looking at the bigger picture.

Her push for cleaner cooking energy, which is already transforming kitchens across Tanzania, is part of a much broader strategy for sustainable energy.

By championing oil and gas exploration, Tanzania can not only ensure energy security for its people but also provide cleaner alternatives to the traditional methods of cooking (bye-bye smoky kitchens). Oil and gas are not just about the flashy cars or expensive yachts; they are also about providing affordable, cleaner, and more efficient energy solutions for cooking-– something that will drastically improve the lives of millions of Tanzanians.

So, let us face it: Tanzania leading in oil and gas exploration, under the vision of President Samia, is not just an opportunity – it is inevitable.

With her forward-thinking approach, she is turning Tanzania into the beacon of clean energy while unlocking the wealth of oil and gas for the benefit of all. Go Tanzania!