The President of Zanzibar, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has called on East African Community (EAC) Partner States to embrace modern technologies in the oil and gas sector to support the transition to clean energy. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 11th East Africa Petroleum Conference and Exhibition in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, President Mwinyi emphasized the need for innovative approaches to enhance exploration, production, and decarbonization efforts in the region.
Dr. Mwinyi noted that while technological advancements are enabling more efficient extraction of petroleum resources, the sector faces significant funding challenges. Global environmental activists continue to oppose financing fossil fuel projects, and traditional credit agencies are increasingly reluctant to support them. To address this issue, he urged Partner States to establish a petroleum fund that would finance local projects, training, research, and innovation in the industry.
“With the petroleum fund in place, we will support our projects and invest in training, research, development, and innovation in the petroleum sector,” he said.
Dr. Mwinyi also pointed to the African Petroleum Producers Organisation’s collaboration with the African Export-Import Bank to establish the African Energy Bank, which aims to address the growing financing gap for oil and gas projects across the continent. He encouraged East African states to draw lessons from this initiative to ensure sustainable growth in the sector.
Highlighting infrastructure development, the President stressed the importance of cross-border oil and gas projects, citing the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) as a landmark initiative. The pipeline, stretching from Uganda’s Hoima region to Tanzania’s Tanga port, is expected to enhance regional energy security and economic growth. Dr. Mwinyi called for more projects to complement EACOP and facilitate efficient utilization of petroleum resources.
Furthermore, he underscored the need for a balanced approach to fossil fuel development and clean energy transition, particularly in the context of initiatives like Mission 300. The World Bank and African Development Bank-led project seeks to provide electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030, with Tanzania leveraging petroleum levies to enhance rural electrification.
The 12th East Africa Petroleum Conference and Exhibition will be hosted by Rwanda, continuing the regional dialogue on sustainable energy solutions.
