As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, energy security, and sustainable development, the role of petroleum resources in the energy mix has become increasingly important.
That is the overriding theme at the 11th East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition (EAPCE’2025) happening in Tanzania, where the Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, is representing Uganda.
It is important to note that in East Africa, where energy demand is rising rapidly, petroleum resources are set to play a critical role in unlocking investment in future energy and driving sustainable development; this is the gist of the EAPCE.
The Energy Landscape in East Africa
East Africa is home to some of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, with countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia experiencing rapid economic growth and urbanization. This growth has led to a surge in energy demand, with the region’s energy requirements expected to increase by 50% by 2030. This calls for more players and investors in the oil and gas sector, which will, in turn, spur economic growth across the region.
The Role of Petroleum Resources
Petroleum resources, including oil and natural gas, are set to play a critical role in meeting East Africa’s growing energy demands. The region is home to significant petroleum reserves, with countries such as Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania making major discoveries in recent years.
Energy Security
Petroleum resources will provide East Africa with a reliable source of energy, reducing dependence on imported fuels and enhancing energy security. This, in turn, will support economic growth, industrialization, and poverty reduction.
Economic Growth
The development of petroleum resources will also drive economic growth in East Africa, creating new opportunities for investment, job creation, and revenue generation. The petroleum sector is expected to attract significant investment, with estimates suggesting that the sector could attract up to USD 50 billion in investment by 2030.
Sustainable Development
While petroleum resources will play a critical role in meeting East Africa’s energy demands, it is essential that the development of these resources is done in a sustainable and responsible manner. This includes investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and implementing measures to reduce the environmental impact of petroleum production.
Unlocking Investment in Future Energy
To unlock investment in future energy and drive sustainable development in East Africa, governments, investors, and other stakeholders must work together to create an enabling environment for investment. This includes:
Stable Regulatory Frameworks
Establishing stable regulatory frameworks that provide clarity and certainty for investors, like the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) and the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) of Tanzania.
Investment in Infrastructure
Investing in critical infrastructure, such as pipelines, refineries, and storage facilities. The best example here is the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) which is being constructed in partnership with the governments of Uganda and Tanzania.
Capacity Building
Building local capacity and expertise in the petroleum sector.
Environmental Sustainability
Implementing measures to reduce the environmental impact of petroleum production.
As the EAPCE 2025 continues, therefore, it is imperative to note that petroleum resources will play a critical role in unlocking investment in future energy and driving sustainable development in East Africa.
However, the development of these resources is done in a sustainable and responsible manner.
By working together, governments, investors, and other stakeholders can create an enabling environment for investment and drive economic growth, energy security, and sustainable development in the region.