Gas resources for reliable, secure, and affordable energy future in East Africa

DAR ES SALAAM: EAST Africa stands at a defining moment in its energy transition. With rising electricity demand, unreliable power grids, and environmental concerns over biomass use, natural gas has emerged as a game-changer for energy security and economic transformation.

The region holds vast gas reserves-Tanzania alone has over 57 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of proven natural gas reserves-yet millions of households still rely on charcoal and kerosene for daily energy needs.

To bridge this gap, EAPCE’25 will spotlight how East Africa can expand gas infrastructure, develop pro-poor pricing models, and establish stable regulatory frameworks to make gas a mainstream, affordable energy source for industries and households alike.

Bridging the infrastructure gap: Making gas accessible to households

One of the biggest hurdles in gas adoption across East Africa is the lack of sufficient infrastructure to support distribution beyond industrial zones. While major gas fields exist, most households—especially in rural areas—lack access to pipelines and affordable distribution networks.

Tanzania’s Mtwara-Dar es Salaam gas pipeline, which has significantly increased industrial gas use, is a model that can be replicated to bring gas to low-income urban and rural areas.

Kenya, on the other hand, is looking into expanding liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) distribution centers, while Uganda and Rwanda are considering gas as part of their national electrification and clean cooking energy mix.

Experts argue that public-private partnerships (PPPs) will be key in financing large-scale pipeline expansions and creating last-mile distribution solutions for households.

By adopting modular gas supply models such as small-scale LNG (SSLNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG), East Africa can accelerate household adoption while reducing dependence on unsustainable biomass fuels.

Making gas affordable for low-income households

Despite the potential of natural gas, cost remains a major barrier for many low-income households. Families that spend as little as $1 a day on energy needs often opt for cheaper but dirtier fuels like charcoal and kerosene.

To drive mass adoption, East African governments must introduce affordable pricing structures and financing models.

To make gas affordable for all income levels, targeted subsidies can lower the upfront costs of gas cylinders and appliances, making them accessible to low-income families.

Flexible pay-as-you-go (PAYG) models, which have gained traction in the solar energy sector, could be adapted for household gas use, allowing families to pay in small installments rather than upfront bulk purchases. Governments can also adopt bulk procurement strategies, negotiating lower gas prices and passing on the savings to consumers.

Countries like Ghana and Nigeria have successfully implemented subsidy-driven gas adoption programs, and East Africa can learn from these models to tailor solutions that align with local economic realities.

EAPCE’25 will explore financing mechanisms that balance affordability with sector sustainability, ensuring that gas remains both accessible and commercially viable.

Countries like Ghana and Nigeria have successfully implemented subsidy-driven gas adoption programs, and East Africa can learn from these models to tailor solutions to local economies.

EAPCE’25 will explore financing mechanisms that balance affordability with sector sustainability, ensuring that gas remains both accessible and commercially viable.

Regulatory stability: Creating an investment-friendly gas sector

For East Africa to attract long-term investment in its gas sector, clear and consistent policy frameworks are essential.

A stable regulatory environment ensures that investors have confidence in long-term projects, while consumers benefit from a well-regulated energy market.

Tanzania and Mozambique have already enacted gas-specific legislation to regulate production, distribution, and domestic market allocations.

Kenya is in the process of refining its Natural Gas Policy, ensuring alignment with global best practices. Rwanda and Uganda, though newer players, are laying policy foundations to attract gas investment.

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However, challenges remain. Uncertain fiscal terms, lack of cross-border harmonization, and bureaucratic delays can discourage investment.

EAPCE’25 will serve as a platform to discuss how East African nations can streamline policies, encourage infrastructure financing, and align gas regulations across borders to unlock regional energy trade.

EAPCE’25: Roadmap for gas-driven energy transformation

The upcoming EAPCE’25 will serve as a crucial platform for investors, policymakers, and energy leaders to align strategies on gas sector expansion. The conference will address how East Africa can leverage its vast natural gas resources for industrialization, household energy security, and clean energy transitions.

Eng. Felchesmi Mramba, Permanent Secretary of Tanzania’s Ministry of Energy, highlighted the role of natural gas in shaping East Africa’s energy future:

“Natural gas is the cornerstone of East Africa’s energy transformation. By expanding infrastructure, implementing smart pricing strategies, and strengthening regulatory frameworks, we can ensure gas becomes an affordable and reliable energy source for industries and households alike.”

As East Africa seeks to move away from traditional biomass dependency and embrace a gas-powered future, the discussions at EAPCE’25 will shape policies, attract investments, and unlock the full potential of the region’s gas sector. The time to act is now.