East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 3rd August, 2018: A four-day third meeting of the Technical Steering Committee of the project on enhancement of sustainable regional energy market in the Eastern Africa-Southern Africa-Indian Ocean (EA-SA-IO) Region concluded on Thursday 2nd August at Hilton Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.
The project on enhancement of sustainable regional energy market in the Eastern Africa-Southern Africa-Indian Ocean (EA-SA-IO) Region seeks to address market governance and regulatory related challenges affecting the implementation of energy development projects in the Eastern Africa, Southern Africa and Indian Ocean region. It is supported by a seven million euros fund provided under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) for a period of four years since the signing of the grant delegation agreement with COMESA in May 2017.
The meeting brought together five Regional Economic Communities: The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community (EAC), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC).
Others were the Regional Association of Energy Regulators, Regional Power Pools, Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Centres, and the European Union Delegation (EUD) to Kenya and Zambia.
The COMESA Regional Association of Energy Regulators for Eastern and Southern Africa (RAERESA) coordinates the implementation of the programme.
The programme has three results areas namely; a regionally harmonized energy regulatory and policy framework that integrates gender perspectives; enhancement of regulatory capacity of the National Regulatory Authorities and Power Pools to proactively influence developments in the energy sector; and lastly, enhancement of renewable energy and energy efficiency to attract investments in clean energy and build capacity in clean energy in the region as well as the domestication on a demand driven basis.
Officiating at the opening ceremony, Kenya’s Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, Dr. Eng. Joseph K. Njoroge, noted that the meeting came at a time when the Republic of Kenya was fostering the development and utilization of renewable energies to enhance energy security and expand access to modern energy with the ultimate goals of improving the livelihoods of Kenyans and beyond. He said that it was indisputable fact that sustainable and affordable energy supply was pivotal to realizing economic and social development in the regions.
The Principal Secretary, who was represented by Eng. Julius M. Mwathani, the Secretary for Electrical Power Development at the Ministry, was confident that the initiative on enhancing Sustainable Regional Energy Market in the Eastern Africa-Southern Africa-Indian Ocean (EA-SA-IO) Region will lead to harnessing of the best minds in Africa, and channeling technical and financial resources in an efficient and effective manner to address contemporary developmental challenges, and catalyze the private sector to make it, as mandated, a significant contributor to the development process in Africa.
Addressing the same audience, the Assistant Secretary General (Programmes), of COMESA, Amb. Dr. Kipyego Cheluget, disclosed that the programme will influence developments in the the five RECs’ energy sector and enhance the capacity of regulators in providing and enforcing regulations that enhance the regional market. “It will also enhance the renewable energy regulatory frameworks to promote investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency, as well as integrate gender perspectives in energy policy and regulation”
The COMESA Assistant Secretary General, who was represented by Dr. Mohamedain Seif Elnasr, Chief Executive Officer of the COMESA based Regional Association of Regulatory Authorities in the Eastern and Southern Africa, commended the role of the European Union in developing Africa’s infrastructure including energy infrastructure and applauded the contribution by the EU through the different European Development Funds and other mechanisms in advancing the implementation of many continental, regional and national projects, related to infrastructure in general and specifically energy projects, among others.
On his part, the Representative of the EU delegation program manager and Ag. Head of Sections Infrastructure, in the Republic of Kenya, Mr. Jean-Noel Gangloff, said that building an energy market that stimulates power trading and promotes energy security, as well as leverages on each countries strengths and shields the risk of country level inadequacies was very important for the Eastern Africa-Southern Africa-Indian Ocean (EA-SA-IO) Region.
The EU Representative noted that this was an opportunity to integrate the regional electricity market sustainably, which requires the process of consensus building from a policy and regulatory perspective. “It is therefore important that the various actors in the region engage in the process of building a common understanding and a harmonized approach in how the sector is governed”, noted the EU Envoy.
He asserted that in partnering with the regional economic organizations on the 7 million Euro regional energy programme, “the European Union recognizes and believes that we can together enhance the regional energy market in a harmonized way, as well as promote energy efficiency and other renewable energy sources, thus taking the development of the regional energy market a step further”.
The Program Manager - Infrastructure, European Union in Zambia, Mr. Graham Ching’ambu, noted that the project was not only about rules and regulations but also about the creation of an energy market. In this regard, he pointed out that the project could be a driver for market and industrial growth within the region and could also contribute to lowering production costs hence enhancing competitiveness.
The 3rd meeting of the Programme Technical Steering Committee (PTSC) of the project, which was chaired by the EAC Senior Energy Officer, Mr. Elsam Byempaka Turyahabwe, reviewed progress on the status of implementation of the First-Year Work Programme 2017 – 2018; considered the Annual Report of the Project, and adopted the 2018 – 2019 Second-Year work plan and Budget of the Project on Enhancement of a Sustainable Regional Energy Market in the EA-SA-IO Region.
Prior to the energy experts meeting, an awareness-training workshop for regional journalists and communication experts from the participating organizations was conducted on July 30, 2018 as part of the project’s communication and visibility strategy.
Communication experts from the RECs, Ministries of Energy, Energy Associations and Power Pools participated in the one-day training and study tour on Kenya’s renewable energy project, the 25.5 MW Ngong Hills Wind Power Station/Wind Farm. Journalists from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi attended the training and study tour.
Chairing and hosting of the meeting of the Programme Technical Steering Committee is on rotational basis among the regional blocs hence the Nairobi meeting was chaired and hosted by the EAC. The next PTSC will be held in March 2019 and hosted by the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC)
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 25th July, 2018: From 23rd July to 10th August, 2018, the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany in collaboration with the East African Community is holding an exhibition on renewable energy initiatives.
The 12-day exhibition, also known as Energiewende, which seeks to increase energy efficiency, protect the climate and the environment opened in Arusha at the EAC headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania on Monday, 23rd July, 2018.
Speaking during the official opening session, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo, said the exhibition had come up at a right time and would the increase access to modern energy services in the region, there by reducing poverty and providing sustainable energy for socio-economic development.
Hon. Bazivamo that the exhibition is geared towards achieving the targets of the Regional Strategy on Scaling Up Access to modern Energy Services which provide access to; modern cooking practices for 50% of the population that currently uses traditional cooking fuel; reliable electricity for all urban and peri-urban poor; modern energy services for all schools, clinics, hospitals and community centres and access to mechanical power for heating and productive uses for all communities.
Hon Bazivamo disclosed that the EAC Secretariat was in the process of mobilising funding to: Formulate the Regional Renewable Energy Master plan as well as Regional Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation Strategic Plan; Undertake Policy and Standards harmonisation; and Promote information exchange through knowledge management by facilitating the formation of the Regional renewable Energy association.
The Deputy Secretary General extended his appreciation to the GIZ team for making the exhibition a reality, adding that the endeavour was geared towards technology transfer.
On her part, Dr. Kirsten Focken, the GIZ Programme Manager said the German government decided to fully move to renewable energy over 20 years, adding that it was one of the first governments to undertake the initiative.
"We are glad to demonstrate how to move towards secure, affordable and sustainable energy in a highly industrialized country such as Germany. East Africa is developing rapidly and already deploying sources of renewable energy," added Dr.Focken.
She pledged Germany's continued support to the EAC region on renewable energy as a basis for sound and sustainable economic development.
Notes to Editors
The German Government has decided to move towards renewable energy to increase energy efficiency, protect the climate and environment through an initiative known as Energiewende. Energiewende seeks to make energy supply secure, affordable and sustainable. An exhibition organized at the EAC HQ from 23rd July to 10th August, 2018 will present many aspects of Energiewende, its multi-dimensional aspects, challenges, its ambitious targets and precise roadmap that will make the country switch to renewable energy by 2050.
The exhibition has been shown in about 60 locations in 25 different countries. The various stations of the exhibition at EAC HQ will cover: Energy efficiency, heating, mobility, renewable energies, costs for consumer, climate protection, nuclear power, economic aspects, international aspects, electricity grid, security supply, energy storage, civil participation, and the future of energy supply.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
The Second Meeting of the Technical Steering Committee of the Project on Enhancement of a Sustainable Regional Energy Market in the Eastern Africa-Southern Africa-Indian Ocean (EA-SA-IO) Region takes place in Swakopmund, Namibia, 25 – 26 April 2018.
The project seeks to address market governance and regulatory related challenges affecting the implementation of energy development projects in the Eastern Africa, Southern Africa and Indian Ocean region. It is supported by a seven million euros fund provided under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) for a period of four years since the signing of the grant delegation agreement with COMESA in May 2017.
The Technical Steering Committee meeting will review the status of implementation of the first one year of the project, provide guidance to ensure attainment of the project’s objectives and induct new members of the Project Management Team.
The meeting brings together five Regional Economic Communities: The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) the East African Community (EAC,) Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC).
Others are the Regional Association of Energy Regulators, Regional Power Pools, Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Centres and the representatives of the European Union Delegations to the three sub-regions.
The COMESA Regional Association of Energy Regulators for Eastern and Southern Africa (RAERESA) coordinates the implementation of the programme.
The programme has three results areas: the first is a regionally harmonized energy regulatory framework adopted by regional and national regulatory institutions, with particular emphasis on cross border issues to encourage investments in the region;
The second is the enhancement of regulatory capacity of the National Regulatory Authorities and strengthening capacity of the Regional Associations (RAERESA, EREA and RERA) and Power Pools (EAPP and SAPP) to proactively influence developments in the energy sector.
Thirdly, the enhancement of the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency strategy, policies and regulatory guidelines to attract investments in clean energy and build capacity in clean energy in the region as well as the domestication on a demand driven basis.
Contacts: Mohamedain Seif Elnasr (Ph. D.). Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 21st March, 2018:
The EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sectors Hon. Christophe Bazivamo, has called on development partners to support the EAC region in the implementation of bankable priority energy projects. He said this today during a roundtable meeting with the development partners on the sidelines of the ongoing Sustainable Energy Forum for East Africa in Kigali, Rwanda.
“This is a call for strong commitment to ensure that energy is available, accessible and the people of EAC enjoy it”, said Hon. Bazivamo.
“We need to to ensure energy is efficient and affordable to the citizens, and if we are to facilitate industrialization in the region, we need to elevate energy to a (human) Right for the people of the region,” Hon. Bazivamo added.
The Deputy Secretary General noted that there is need to come up with revolutionary concepts and approaches to implement projects that focus on enhancing access to energy. “It is important that we think of new ways to fast track the implementation of the various policies and strategies already developed,” he said.
Speaking at the same occasion, Mr. Robert Zeiner, Director, Austrian Development Agency noted that the Forum has provided an opportunity to establish a regional network. As partners in the effort to ensure access to energy in the East African region, he called upon the East African Governments to support the implementation of various energy policies and strategies. “We call upon political will as well as the precise identification of concrete steps towards achieving the set objectives,” he noted.
The Representative of Sustainable Energy for All, informed meeting that the institution was currently moving from designing and planning programmes and projects to creating investment for operationalization of bankable projects. " We are reaching out to all types companies, be it large, medium or small, we are also reaching out to Government to have their priority bankable projects financed for tangible impact," said Mikael Melin, Sustainable Energy for All Senior Energy Expert.
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) further reaffirmed its commitment towards supporting the region’s energy agenda. Mr. Tareq Emtairah, Director, Energy Department UNIDO, said that UNIDO’s technical capacity and resources are available to respond to the requests of Partner States.
“It is our hope that the recommendations of the Forum will provide insight on the priority energy projects of the region and guide on where resources should be deployed,” reiterated Mr. Emtairah.
The meeting was attended by EAC, EACREEE, UNIDO, Austrian Development Agency (ADA), Sustainable Energy for All and International Solar Alliance (ISA).
NOTES FOR EDITORS
The Sustainable Energy Forum for East Africa aims to foster economic transformation of the EAC Partner States through equitable access to sustainable energy for all. It is further hoped that it will forge effective partnerships for achieving Sustainable Development Goal- 7 targets - ensure access to affordable, sustainable and modern energy for all - in the EAC Partner States by the year 2030.
The three day event has been organised by the East African Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (EACREEE), in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the EAC Secretariat, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), Sustainable Energy For All (SEforALL) and the Ministry of Infrastructure of the Republic of Rwanda (MININFRA).
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 19th March, 2018:
The Minister of State for Infrastructure responsible for Energy, Water and Sanitation in the Republic of Rwanda, Hon, Germaine Kamayirese, has urged policy makers in the region and development partners to take advantage of the Sustainable Energy Forum for East Africa to forge effective partnerships for resource mobilization to facilitate the implementation of East African Community priority infrastructure projects including ensuring equitable access to sustainable energy for all.
Hon. Kamayirese, who was the chief guest at the official opening of the first Sustainable Energy Forum for East Africa at the Kigali Serena Hotel said that the Forum was yet another manifestation of how crucial renewable energy and energy efficiency were to transforming economies and livelihoods in East Africa.
The Minister called on EAC Partner States to do more to meet the region’s fast growing energy demands and extend modern energy services to more communities while also improving people’s health and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Delivering the keynote address, Ms. Rachel Kyte, Special Representative for the UN Secretary General and CEO of Sustainable Energy for All, noted that the indicators for sustainable energy over 111 countries worldwide showed that the average score for East Africa was 44 out of 100.
“This suggests there is still significant opportunity in the region, within the EAC Partner States, to strengthen the policy and regulatory framework and close the gaps in access; clean fuels for cooking; technologies for cooking, but also to step up the uptake of renewable energy into the mix,” said Ms. Kyte.
Ms. Kyte said that for the region to effectively harness sustainable energy, it will need to address three issues: to put energy efficiency at the forefront of sustainable energy discussions; accelerate national electrification planning, and the integration and implementation of the plans; and lastly, government, financial institutions and other financiers to explore ways to increase the flow of funding into the project to close the access gap.
On his part, Mr. Tareq Emtairah, the Director of the Department of Energy at the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), urged EAC Partner States to address the existing challenges in energy access and creating new opportunities for clean and efficient energy services are central to the rapid and vibrant industrial growth and economic development in the region.
“UNIDO sees the importance of linking the clean energy access agenda to industrial and economic development,” said Mr. Emtairah.
Speaking during the same occasion, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo, said that the EAC’s main focus in the energy sector was ensuring availability of sufficient, reliable, cost effective and environmentally friendly energy sources in the region to facilitate the broader EAC objectives of attracting investments and promoting competitiveness in trade.
“As expressed in the East African Industrialization Strategy (2012-2032), the EAC region has, as one of its targets, the diversification of the manufacturing base and raise local value-added content of resource-based exports to at least 40% by 2032. To achieve our industrialization targets, we need to accelerate access to sustainable energy and promote energy for productive uses,” said Hon. Bazivamo.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
The Sustainable Energy Forum for East Africa aims to foster economic transformation of the EAC Partner States through equitable access to sustainable energy for all. It is further hoped that it will forge effective partnerships for achieving Sustainable Development Goal- 7 targets - ensure access to affordable, sustainable and modern energy for all - in the EAC Partner States by the year 2030.
The three day event has been organised by the East African Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (EACREEE), in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the EAC Secretariat, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), Sustainable Energy For All (SEforALL) and the Ministry of Infrastructure of the Republic of Rwanda (MININFRA).
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 14th March, 2018:
The East African Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (EACREEE), in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the EAC Secretariat, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), Sustainable Energy For All (SEforALL) and the Ministry of Infrastructure of the Republic of Rwanda (MININFRA) are jointly organizing the Sustainable Energy Forum for East Africa 2018 in Kigali Rwanda.
Hosted by the government of Rwanda from 19th to 21st March 2018, the Forum aims to foster economic transformation of the EAC Partner States through equitable access to sustainable energy for all. It is further hoped that it will forge effective partnerships for achieving Sustainable Development Goal- 7 targets - Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all - in the EAC Partner States by the year 2030.
Energy is essential in the running of daily domestic activities and operation of industry. Availability of sufficient, reliable and affordable energy is crucial for the functioning of the economies of the EAC Partner States. As a service and productive sector, energy plays a catalytic role in stimulating investments and higher levels of productivity. Article 101 of the Treat for the Establishment of the EAC calls for the EAC Partner States to explore measures to supply affordable energy to the people of the region while taking into account the protection of the environment.
The Forum will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss strategies on the harmonization of renewable energy and efficient energy (RE & EE) policies, upscaling financing in RE & EE projects and technologies, as well as exchange knowledge, experiences and inform about ongoing and planned regional programmes. In addition, the Forum seeks to strengthen the regional network and provide a platform for knowledge- and experience sharing.
The Forum will bring together policy makers, experts, civil society and private sector representatives and development partners to share best practices, identify opportunities and challenges, and find solutions to the energy challenges in East Africa. These include EAC Secretary General Amb. Libérat Mfumukeko; Sustainable Energy for All CEO, Rachel Kyte; UNIDO Director of Energy, Tareq Emtairah; Austrian Development Agency Managing Director, Martin Ledolter; International Solar Alliance (ISA) Director General, Upendra Tripathi; and International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Deputy Director General, Sakari Oksanen among others.
The 2018 edition of the Sustainable Energy Forum will focus on the following seven thematic areas: (i) Access to Energy; (ii) Roadmap of a Sustainable Energy future for East Africa; (iii) Financing Sustainable Energy projects in the EAC; (iv) Energy and Gender in the EAC region; (v) Sustainable City development in the region; and (vi) Geothermal Energy.
Follow the conversation online Twitter: #SEF4EA Facebook: #SEF4EA
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
The East African Community (EAC) has adopted its Energy Security Policy Framework seeking to ensure the security of the region’s biomass, electricity, and oil and gas supplies.
According to Mr. Elsam Byempaka Turyahabwe, Energy Expert at the EAC, Partner States are implementing a number Energy projects to address the low access to modern energy services in the region. However, energy security is a major challenge in the EAC and globally.
“This EAC Energy Security Framework aims to provide regional guidance to Partner States in the management and mitigation of the challenge” said . Mr. Turyahabwe. “We also anticipate that greater effort will be made at pursuing regional solutions to parts of the security of supply challenges in the biomass, electricity and oil and gas sub-sectors”.
Mr. Yohannes Hailu, Energy Economist at UN Economic Commission for Africa, confirmed that this framework would address pertinent energy security issues still prevailing in the EAC region, if implemented by all the Partner States.
“Deforestation, rising wood and charcoal prices, devoting large share of our national budget towards the importation of oil and gas, electricity affordability and reliability, among others, are all signals that we needed to look at energy security and come up with a framework that enables us to address and prevent the security challenges” said Hailu.
The Sectorial Council on Energy of the EAC adopted this framework early this month in Arusha, after being signed by the six-member states (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda).
Recognizing energy as pivotal to their transformational agenda, the ECA partner States have set ambitious development plans prioritizing the energy sector.
ECA, through its office for Eastern Africa, collaborated with EAC in the development of the framework.
Mr. Hailu stated that East African countries have been depending nearly exclusively on imported refined petroleum, and with new discoveries of oil and gas reserves in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, a regional framework on energy security management is timely.
“Disruption in the supply of imported energy, particularly hydrocarbons, and/or sharp swings in their price, would cause macroeconomic impacts that could undermine the momentum of economic development taking place in East Africa”, highlighted Hailu.
Mr. Hailu explained that energy security is a component of economic stability because the lack of it hampers the proper functioning of socioeconomic systems and undermines economic activities, particularly in energy-intensive industries.
The EAC becomes the first regional economic community to adopt an Energy Security Policy Framework in Africa.
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Issued by: Office for Eastern Africa Economic Commission for Africa
East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 15 August 2017:
The 2nd Executive Board meeting of the East African Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (EACREEE) was held in Kampala, Uganda on 11th August, 2017.
The well-attended board meeting from Partner States except the Republic of South Sudan was the follow up of the first meeting which was held on June 10, 2016.
Addressing the board members, the Chairman of the Executive Board and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Uganda, Dr. Steven Isabalija, hailed the continued support of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) to the East African Community in the Energy and more specifically in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by EACREEE in its early stages of operation and urged collective efforts among stakeholders in addressing the same.
On his part, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of the Productive and Social Sectors, Hon Christophe Bazivamo, informed the board that the EAC integration was business oriented, adding that energy was key to promoting business in the region.
"Low energy access rates, expensive electricity, poor cooking solutions have been hampering the region's development," said Hon Bazivamo.
He reminded the meeting that the original plan of EAC was to have EACREEE as an EAC institution, however due to financial constraints other innovative ways were devised and hence College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) was selected to host EACREEE as a Centre of Excellence.
Hon. Bazivamo disclosed that efforts were underway for the EAC through the Inter -University Council of East Africa to ensure effective management of the EAC Centers of Excellence through the harmonization of management guidelines.
The Principal of CEDAT, Prof Henry Alinaitwe, thanked the EAC Council of Ministers for selecting CEDAT to host EACREE and commended the support of UNIDO and ADA towards the Centre. Prof. Alinaitwe revealed that since its inauguration, CEDAT has been working with several stakeholders to advance the Centre's activities.
During the deliberations, the meeting took note of the progress report and of the challenges experienced by College of Engineering, Art, Design and Technology (CEDAT) in the implementation process especially in regards to the registration of EACREEE as a legal entity handling programmes that are regional in nature.
The meeting agreed on the need for formulation of a Roadmap/Transitional document on how and when the Centre will graduate from being hosted in CEDAT to be a fully-fledged Centre of EAC.
Against the above observations and to take matters forward, the meeting arrived at the following resolutions:
Urged Makerere University CEDAT in collaboration with EAC Secretariat to expedite implementation of the decision of the 33rd meeting of Council by registering a semi-autonomous EACREEE under CEDAT.
Urged CEDAT to open a separate account under Makerere University CEDAT in the name of EACREEE by 30th September 2017;
Requested the EAC Secretariat in collaboration with CEDAT to work on the transitional roadmap in line with decisions of the 33rd Meeting of the Council of Ministers.
The Executive Board to continue managing EACREEE under the current set up and;
The Sectoral Council to reconsider the governing structure of EACREEE.
The meeting also took note of the proposal presented by UNIDO on the tentative agenda for conducting a sustainable energy forum for EAC by EACREEE in February 2018. The meeting commended the initiative by UNIDO and requested the formation of a joint organizing committee. The Forum will be organized in one of the EAC Partner States that were requested to support the forum. The meeting requested Partner States to express interest in hosting this conference by 30th September, 2017.
The Technical Committee and National Focal Institutions (NFI) for EACREEE as well as launching the Centre on 11th June, 2016.
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Notes to Editor:
The 33rd Meeting of the Council of Ministers held on 29th February 2016 designated the College of Engineering, Art, Design and Technology (CEDAT), Makerere University, Kampala,Uganda as a Centre of Excellence for renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (EACREEE) and directed that CEDAT collaborates with other institutions dealing with Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency within the Partner States. Based on the approved Project Document, the 11th Sectoral Council on Energy directed the EAC Secretariat to implement the directive of the council by constituting the Executive Board.
For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Secretariat; Bujumbura, Burundi; 07 June 2017:
East African Community Partner States have been called upon to minimize dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza said dependence on fossil fuels exposes the EAC Partner States to the risks arising from volatility of petroleum prices in the international market and the associated challenges in attaining domestic energy security.
President Nkurunziza further noted that East Africa’s limited infrastructure in terms of refineries, pipelines and storage facilities remained a constraint to stability in fuel prices.
President Nkurunziza disclosed that EAC Partner States spend more than 10 per cent of their Gross Domestic Product to import refined petroleum products.
“We are all aware that without sufficient energy, we can neither create wealth nor enhance our competitiveness, production, trade and investments. The EAC therefore attaches great significance to cooperation in the exploration and development of energy resources available in the region,” said President Nkurunziza.
President Nkurunziza was addressing delegates when he officially opened the 8th East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition 2017 (EAPCE’ 17) in Bujumbura, Burundi.
He said that the East African region had demonstrated high potential for oil and gas resources, adding that it was only through concerted efforts by various stakeholders that successful petroleum exploration ventures could be mounted.
“In Burundi, the exploration of petroleum resources at Rusizi and Lake Tanganyika basins has commenced in four blocks of 1,477.5 km2 offshore and 793.1 km2. The government of Burundi continues to encourage oil companies to invest in petroleum exploration. It is also reviewing the Petroleum Code of 1976 for purposes of attracting more investors,” he said.
President Nkurunziza said that recent discoveries made in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in addition to the existing oil industry in South Sudan had positioned East Africa as the world’s most promising frontier for petroleum exploration and development.
The EAPCE’ 17 is being held under the theme: East Africa – the Emerging Hotspot for Oil and Gas Exploration, Infrastructure Development and Commercialization.
In his remarks, Dr. Ali Kirunda Kivejinja, the Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers and Uganda’s Minister for East African Affairs, said that EAC Partner States had over the years invested huge resources – both human and financial – towards petroleum exploration, efforts which have begun to bear fruit throughout the region.
EAC Secretary General Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko said that there had been increased investments in the region’s oil and gas sector in recent times with the recent discoveries.
“Today, the East African region has benefited from advances in technology and management of exploration and production which has led to the discovery of commercially viable oil and gas deposits,” said Amb. Mfumukeko.
Alluding to the oil curse that has been the bane of many oil-producing countries on the African continent, the Secretary General said East Africa has an obligation to learn from other countries and put petroleum resources to good use.
Amb. Mfumukeko said that despite the effects of fluctuating global oil prices, EAC economies had been able to withstand the shocks, adding that the continued growth was testimony to the conducive environment in the region.
“This stability offers long term prospects for returns on investments to potential investors, irrespective of any headwinds the global economy may encounter,” he noted.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 25 May 2017:
The EAC Secretariat, the Government of Burundi and other EAC Partner States are finalizing preparations for the 8th East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition (EAPCE’17) set to be held in Bujumbura, Burundi from 7th to 9th June 2017.
The three-day conference themed "East Africa - An Emerging Hotspot for Oil and Gas Exploration, Infrastructure Development and Commercialization" will bring together top players in the oil and gas sector as well as policy and decision makers from the region to dialogue on the potential that lies within the region while sharing information on the status of development of the sector in each Partner State.
EAPCE’17 will include an exhibition where investors, enterprises, researchers and academia will collectively showcase new products and services as well as exhibit the latest advances in the exploitation of both renewable and non-renewable energy sources.
The Conference programme also integrates field excursions to selected sites in each Partner State for participants to see the rich geological variety that the region possesses as well as the touristic attractions that the region is well known for.
H.E. Pierre Nkurunziza, President of the Republic of Burundi, has been invited to grace the official opening ceremony of the Conference.
Other high level dignitaries expected to attend the Conference include Amb. Libérat Mfumukeko, the EAC Secretary General as well as line Ministers and heads of the respective Agencies from all EAC Partner States, who shall engage stakeholders on critical steps needed to leverage higher levels of investment in the oil and gas sector.
Speaking ahead of the Conference, the EAC Secretary General, Amb. Libérat Mfumukeko said the Conference provides unique networking opportunities with government, private sector, regional organizations, academia, technology developers, investors and civil society.
“Recent discoveries of oil and gas in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in addition to the existing oil industry in South Sudan have positioned East Africa as the world’s most promising frontier for petroleum exploration and development,” added Amb. Mfumukeko.
The Secretary General said the EAC Partner State shall share their policy, legal and regulatory frameworks and other initiatives aimed at continually improving the enabling environment in the sector.
EAPCE’17 is taking place at the peak of EAC's transforming into a Common Market. This transformation is geared towards providing great opportunities for business and investment in all sectors as the single market provides for free movement of goods, capital and services within the region.
EAPCE’17 will among others address the following critical issues:
Exploration and development in the East African Rift and Coastal Basins as well as Deep water and Inland Basins;
Commercialization of discovered oil and gas resources from field development, reservoir management and data management;
Local content in Africa and how it is likely to impact the future development of the petroleum sector;
The latest technological advancements in the petroleum sector; and
The balance needed between environmental management and the development of the petroleum value chain.
Registration for participation at the Conference closes on 6th June 2017. For more information on EAPCE’17, visit the conference website: www.eapce17.eac.int
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Notes to Editor:
The EAC has been holding the East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition (EAPCE) biennially since 2003 to promote exploration, development and production of oil and gas. The main objective of the Conference and Exhibition is to promote investment in the oil and gas sector by demonstrating to the world the potential that lies within the region and sharing information on the status of development of the sector in each Partner State.
The Conference offers a wide range of technical presentations reflecting developments in the oil and gas industry in East Africa and around the world. The Conference provides a forum for discussing the legal and policy framework and the overall business environment prevailing in the region. It gives stakeholders in the oil and gas sector an opportunity to interact with EAC senior government officials and decision makers.
The Conference integrates an exhibition and field excursions that have become a popular feature of the Conference, attracting more and more participants with each successive Conference.
For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
