The transition to a sustainable energy future requires more than ambition. It requires collaboration, innovation, investment, and platforms that bring stakeholders together to drive meaningful action. This June, Bio360 Africa 2026 will do exactly that as it launches its inaugural edition in Johannesburg, South Africa. Taking place on 17–18 June 2026 at the Gallagher Convention Centre, Bio360 Africa is a new international conference and exhibition dedicated to advancing bioenergy, the bioeconomy, and sustainable resource solutions across the African continent. Building on the success of Bio360 Europe, one of the world’s leading bioenergy events, Bio360 Africa aims to create a dedicated platform for Africa’s rapidly evolving bioenergy sector.

Why Bio360 Africa Matters

Africa possesses vast biomass resources with the potential to contribute significantly to the continent’s energy security, economic development, and climate goals. Agricultural residues, forestry by-products, organic waste streams, and other renewable resources can play a vital role in delivering clean, reliable, and locally produced energy while supporting sustainable industrial development.

As countries across Africa pursue ambitious renewable energy targets and seek innovative pathways to decarbonisation, bioenergy technologies are becoming increasingly important. Bio360 Africa will provide a unique opportunity for industry leaders, policymakers, investors, researchers, entrepreneurs, and technology providers to explore practical solutions and foster partnerships that accelerate deployment.

The event is designed to support the growth of a sustainable bioeconomy by facilitating knowledge exchange, showcasing proven technologies, and connecting stakeholders from across the value chain.

A First-of-Its-Kind Platform for Africa

Bio360 Africa is expected to welcome more than 1,000 participants from over 25 countries, creating a diverse and dynamic environment for networking, collaboration, and business development.

The event will feature:

• More than 60 exhibitors showcasing innovative technologies and services.
• Over 80 expert speakers from around the world.
• Two conference streams running across two days.
• Keynote presentations, panel discussions, and technical sessions.
• Dedicated networking and B2B meeting opportunities.
• Press engagement and media activities.
• Study tours on 19 June 2026 offering participants the opportunity to see bioenergy solutions operating in real-world environments.

By bringing together public and private sector stakeholders, Bio360 Africa seeks to catalyse investment, promote innovation, and accelerate the development of sustainable energy solutions throughout Africa.

Key Themes Shaping the Discussions

The conference programme will explore a broad range of topics that are critical to the future of Africa’s energy transition and circular economy.

Bioenergy Solutions

Participants will examine developments across multiple bioenergy pathways, including:

• Biogas and biomethane
• Biofuels
• Biohydrogen
• Biochar
• Solid biomass
• Clean cooking solutions
• Waste-to-energy technologies
• Off-grid and grid-connected applications

These technologies have the potential to transform agricultural and organic waste into valuable energy resources while reducing emissions and creating new economic opportunities.

Building the African Bioeconomy

Bio360 Africa will also explore how bio-based industries can drive sustainable economic growth through circular business models, resource efficiency, and innovative production systems.The integration of agriculture, waste management, industrial processes, and renewable energy will be a key focus area as stakeholders seek pathways toward a more resilient and sustainable economy.

Carbon Management and Carbon Removal

As organisations worldwide seek effective strategies for achieving net-zero targets, Bio360 Africa will highlight the role of biochar, carbon capture, carbon removal technologies, and carbon finance mechanisms in addressing climate change.

The discussions will examine how African projects can participate in emerging carbon markets while delivering environmental and socio-economic benefits.

Sustainable Transport and Renewable Fuels

Renewable fuels are expected to play a growing role in decarbonising transportation sectors that are difficult to electrify.

Conference sessions will explore opportunities for sustainable aviation fuels, renewable diesel, biomethane mobility solutions, and other innovations supporting cleaner transport systems across Africa.

Driving Partnerships and Investment

One of the key objectives of Bio360 Africa is to create an environment where partnerships can flourish.

The event will connect:

• Technology providers
• Investors and financiers
• Policymakers and regulators
• Project developers
• Agricultural stakeholders
• Research institutions
• International development organisations
• Corporate sustainability leaders

These connections are essential for scaling projects, attracting investment, sharing expertise, and accelerating the deployment of sustainable bioenergy solutions throughout the continent.

Renewables in Africa Proudly Supports Bio360 Africa

As a Media Supporter of Bio360 Africa 2026, Renewables in Africa is proud to support initiatives that advance clean energy development, sustainable innovation, and knowledge sharing across the continent.

The event aligns closely with our mission of promoting renewable energy opportunities, highlighting industry developments, and connecting stakeholders working to build a sustainable energy future for Africa.

We look forward to sharing updates, speaker highlights, programme announcements, and event insights in the lead-up to the exhibition.

Join the Conversation

Whether you are an investor, policymaker, technology provider, project developer, researcher, entrepreneur, or sustainability professional, Bio360 Africa offers an opportunity to engage with the people and ideas shaping the future of bioenergy in Africa.

Event Dates: 17–18 June 2026
Location: Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa

Visitor Registration:
https://www.bio360-africa.com/form/640

Exhibitor Registration:
https://www.bio360-africa.com/Page/1614/exhibit

Study Tours Registration:
https://sabia.glueup.com/event/bio360-africa-study-tours-181113/

Join industry leaders from across Africa and beyond as we explore how bioenergy and the bioeconomy can help accelerate a sustainable and resilient energy future.

Article

The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) recently concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan, marking a pivotal moment in global climate negotiations. The conference addressed critical issues such as climate finance, carbon markets, and emission reduction commitments, yielding both progress and contention.

Climate Finance: A Contested Agreement

A central outcome of COP29 was the establishment of a new climate finance target. Developed nations committed to mobilizing at least $300 billion annually by 2035 to assist developing countries in mitigating and adapting to climate change. This figure represents a significant increase from the previous $100 billion goal set in 2009. However, it falls short of the $1.3 trillion per year that many developing nations and experts deem necessary to effectively address climate challenges. The agreement has been met with mixed reactions; while some view it as a positive step forward, others criticize it as insufficient to meet the pressing needs of vulnerable countries.

Advancements in Carbon Markets

Negotiators at COP29 approved standards under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, establishing a framework for a UN-backed global carbon market. This development aims to facilitate the generation, purchase, and sale of carbon credits, enabling countries and businesses to meet emission reduction targets more effectively. The standards emphasize transparency, verification, and additionality to ensure the integrity of emissions reductions.

Challenges in Emission Reduction Commitments

Discussions on phasing out fossil fuels and enhancing emission reduction commitments faced significant challenges. Some countries resisted explicit commitments to transition away from fossil fuels, leading to delays in launching the “UAE Dialogue,” a platform intended to implement recommendations from the Global Stocktake. As a result, these discussions have been postponed to future sessions.

Engagement of Non-State Actors

The conference highlighted the increasing role of non-state actors, including businesses and civil society, in climate action. Organizations like IMPALA urged the music industry to assess and reduce their environmental impact, reflecting a broader trend of sectors beyond government taking responsibility for climate mitigation.

Looking Ahead

While COP29 made strides in areas such as climate finance and carbon market mechanisms, the challenges in securing stronger commitments for emission reductions underscore the complexities of global climate action. The outcomes of COP29 set the stage for further negotiations and actions, with the next conference scheduled to take place in Belém, Brazil.

Article

On the occasion of the first International Exhibition of Extractive and Energy Resources (SIREXE) 2024, Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé – under whose high patronage the event is being held – and the Minister of Mines, Petroleum, and Energy, Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly, the organizer of the exhibition with the support of UEMOA, aim to make a lasting impression. An impressive array of personalities from the sector is expected in Abidjan from November 29 to December 2, including about a dozen African ministers.

This includes Senegal’s Minister of Energy, Petroleum, and Mines, Birame Souleye Diop, Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy, Lefoko Moagi, as well as the Congolese ministers of Hydrocarbons, Energy and Hydraulics, and Mining Industries and Geology, namely Bruno Jean Richard Itoua, Emile Ouosso, and Pierre Oba (State Minister).

Togo, Algeria, Angola, and the DRC will also be represented by their respective Ministers of Mines and Energy Resources, Robert Komi Messan Eklo, Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, and Minister of Mines, Kizito Pakabomba Kapinga Mulume.

Also not to be forgotten are Guinea’s Minister of Mines and Geology, Bouna Sylla, Benin’s Minister of Energy, Water, and Mines, Samou Seïdou Adambi, Gabon’s Minister of Mines, Gilles Nembe, and finally, South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, who are also involved.

Norway, Guest of Honor

As the guest of honor for this first edition, Norway is sending its Minister of Energy, Terje Aasland, to the event. Côte d’Ivoire, in line with its Vision 2030 and its National Development Plan under President Alassane Ouattara, who “wants to make his country an energy power and a regional hub, while protecting the environment,” is indeed taking inspiration from the Scandinavian kingdom. Particularly, its integrated approach to extractive and renewable industries. Norway is the third-largest exporter of oil and gas in the world, and 98% of its energy mix comes from hydropower. Oslo and Yamoussoukro also maintain close economic relations, with Norfund, for instance, having allocated $130 million since 2022 to finance Ivorian SMEs.

With SIREXE, which expects 300 exhibitors and will be held every two years, Côte d’Ivoire is sending a strong message to all extractive sector players in Africa: its land is rich in significant potential, starting with hydrocarbons. Two new deposits, Baleine, which started production last year, and Calao, recently discovered, are expected to yield a total daily production of 200,000 barrels by 2027. In total, 10 deposits have currently been identified on Ivorian territory, which since last year, contribute no less than 20% of the state’s fiscal revenues.

 Ivory Coast, which has considerable mining potential and significant hydrocarbon reserves, aims to make the extractive sector a pillar of its economic growth. Mining production has significantly increased, and recent discoveries in the Baleine and Calao oil fields are propelling Ivory Coast to the rank of a major player in the gas and oil sector. Significant progress has also been made in developing renewable and conventional energy production capacities.

 As stated by Ivorian Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé, ‘The SIREXE is more than just a fair; it is a North-South and South-South exchange platform that brings together investors, governments, and experts to forge strategic partnerships and explore innovative technologies.”  The theme of this first edition, “Sustainable development of extractive and energy industries: what policies and strategies?”, reflects Ivory Coast’s commitment to promoting responsible use of resources that ensures benefits for all while preserving ecological balances.

The extractive and energy industries are among the world’s most polluting sectors, emitting more than half of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. A sad score that puts them in the dock, or worse, the main culprits in the triple climate crisis. In response, the Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN and the Paris Agreement at COP21 put the emphasis on switching from fossil fuels to renewable energies. This shift will begin with an energy mix. This strategic shift towards more environmentally-friendly renewable energies represents an opportunity for Africa’s development. The continent has the strategic minerals and green energy sources that are essential to this ecological transition.

Electric car industry

One of the tip of the iceberg in this ecological transition remains the switch from conventional thermal vehicles to electric vehicles. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) African Economic Development Report, “it takes nearly six more minerals to build an electric car than a conventional car ”.

This is an advantage for the African continent, which has around 19% of the world’s reserves of the metals needed to build an electric car. These include 48% of the world’s cobalt and manganese reserves, 80% of the world’s phosphate reserves and 92% of the world’s platinum reserves. In addition, Africa accounts for 97% of the world’s cobalt exports and 84% of the world’s manganese exports. A wealth of resources that positions Africa as a leading business partner in the booming electric vehicle industry.

Solar & green hydrogen

Solar energy also has a special place in the sunshine of renewable energies. Its raw material, the sun, is omnipresent on the continent, with approximately 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. According to the International Energy Agency, 60% of the ideal locations for developing solar energy are in Africa. So the production of electricity from this source is finding fertile ground in Africa. The European Investment Bank’s 2022 report reveals that 50 million tonnes of green hydrogen could be produced on the continent by 2035 thanks to solar energy. In addition to its low environmental footprint, green hydrogen has a competitive production cost of less than $2 per kilogram (compared with $60 per barrel of oil). An attractive option for investors with a view to decarbonising supply chains, with considerable cost advantages. Overall, statistics show that the continent has at least one-fifth of the world’s reserves of the ten or so minerals needed for the energy transition.

The electronics industry: the case of mobile telephony

In addition to their importance in the production of renewable energies and greener electric mobility vehicles, Africa’s minerals also fuel industries of the future, such as mobile telephony. Cobalt, nickel and manganese are essential raw materials for the manufacture of telephones. Clearly, Africa will once again lose out from the current economic model, which consists of marketing raw materials. Such an approach will offer the continent only a tiny sliver of the socio-economic weight and added value that these minerals acquire as a major component in the supply chain of these industries. A structural transformation of the economy is therefore needed to make renewable energies the real engine of growth. This is a challenge that the continent will have to meet with a new approach.

According to a Tralac report, despite all its potential, Africa attracted just 2.8% of the foreign direct investment (FDI) allocated worldwide to the processing of critical minerals over the period 2019-2023. In order to reverse this trend, the first step advocated is a political choice: ban exports in order to increase the competitiveness of domestic processing.

An opportunity

The prerequisite for both is the creation of a framework for B2G and B2B dialogue between existing companies and potential investors. The International Exhibition of Extractive and Energy Resources (SIREXE), scheduled to take place from 27 November to 2 December 2024 at the Parc des Expositions in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, offers just such an opportunity. The programme for this first event, which will focus on the 3 sub-sectors of the industry – mining, oil and energy – will include opportunities offered by Côte d’Ivoire and other countries in the West African sub-region. Panels and conferences on the theme of sustainable development of the extractive and energy industries: policies and strategies will help to address the sector’s environmental and socio-economic challenges. The event comes at just the right time, given the cascade of recent discoveries of strategic minerals for the ecological transition in general and renewable energies in particular. The aim is to pull out all the stops to industrialise the sector and attract foreign direct investment.

Land of the future

Furthermore, with regard to the strategic challenge of becoming a key continent for attracting investment in the renewable energy sector, the continent has a number of advantages. << Africa, as a low-carbon emitter capable of easily adapting to the production of energy transition sectors, is the ideal setting for economies and companies seeking to decarbonise their sectors of activity, diversify their supply chains and make them greener>>, the report points out. The continent therefore looks like a dream destination for foreign direct investment. What’s more, because of its youth, the continent’s appeal to businessmen in the renewable energy sector is strengthened.

“Its younger workforce, more open to new technologies and more able to adapt, will enable technology-intensive sectors and supply chains to increase their productivity”, according to UNCTAD, represents an X factor for the extractive and energy industries in search of productive human resources. A business climate that is attractive on the face of it could represent real added value for the continent if it succeeds in attracting investment. From the outset, the establishment of foreign companies would boost the production of wealth and increase GDP. 

In addition, the establishment of industries processing extractive and energy resources would create jobs with above-average pay in line with sector standards. This increase in income will lead to a virtuous circle of wealth creation and higher living standards. This scenario will also increase the expertise of local players benefiting from their experience in these multinationals.  These skills could potentially form the basis for the development of local initiatives in the sector. The setting up of joint ventures between local companies and multinationals in the sector also remains an outline solution within the framework of a win-win partnership between companies from the North and South. All the indicators therefore seem to be in the green to make SIREXE the link between the continent’s resources and the objective of sustainable development of renewable energies.

Introduction

Africa, a continent luxuriously endowed with natural resources, paradoxically struggles with widespread poverty and underdevelopment. This disconnect between resource wealth and economic prosperity was at the core of Mr. Chibeze Ezekiel’s presentation at the African Youth Conference on Natural Resources and Environmental  Governance (read more: https://syndghana.org/african-youth-conference/ ).

Mr. Chibeze Ezekiel, founder of the Strategic Youth Network for Development (SYND) and a 2020 Goldman Environmental Prize laureate, challenged the young participants from across the continent to be the architects of change. Highlighting various African government charters and policies that emphasize youth participation, he underscored the critical role young people can play in ensuring sustainable and equitable management of the continent’s natural resources.

The Paradox of Plenty

The presentation unpacked Africa’s abundant resource picture, from vast reserves of minerals and oil to fertile lands and fresh water. Yet, statistics paint a grim reality. UNEP reports Africa loses a staggering $195 billion annually due to factors like illegal mining, unregulated fishing, and environmental degradation.

Prospects for Africa

Despite this disheartening reality, Mr. Chibeze emphasized prospects for a brighter future. He pointed to the potential of harnessing these resources to finance development and propel Africa towards prosperity. The key lies in ensuring “results-oriented, climate resilient, and sustainable” practices in resource exploitation.

Mr. Ezekiel lauded initiatives like Ghana’s Public Institution Accountability Committee, which tracks the utilization of revenue from oil and gas resources. He advocated for similar mechanisms across the continent to ensure transparency and accountability.

A Call to Action: Shifting the Narrative

But how can this transformation be achieved? Mr. Chibeze’s clarion call urged young Africans to shift from being bystanders to active participants. He emphasized the need to be “solution-oriented” and embrace the principles of “Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities” (CBDR-RC) in tackling climate change.

SYND: Leading by Example

The presentation showcased inspiring examples of youth-led solutions spearheaded by SYND. From the Young Green Entrepreneurs Forum that empowers young innovators to tackle climate change, to mangrove restoration projects and initiatives promoting youth participation in agricultural policymaking, SYND is paving the way for a more sustainable future.

A pivotal initiative is the Youth in Natural Resources and Environmental Governance Platform (Youth-NREG). Launched in 2019, this platform empowers young Africans across educational backgrounds to engage in crucial conversations around natural resource management and environmental governance.

Mr. Chibeze concluded by urging young people to embrace a “paradigm shift.” He challenged them to be a “new breed” of Africans, equipped with a “renewed mindset” and a resolute commitment to eradicating poverty and underdevelopment through responsible resource management.

Conclusion

The fight against climate change and the quest for a more equitable Africa demands the active participation of its youth. As Mr. Ezekiel aptly quoted Robert Swan, “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” The young people of Africa are rising to the challenge, and their leadership will be instrumental in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for the continent.

By: Rashid Latif Bukari

Summary

The Powering Africa Summit (PAS24) recently convened in Washington, D.C., heralding a pivotal gathering of industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to address the pressing challenges and promising opportunities in Africa’s energy landscape. Over the course of two days, participants engaged in insightful discussions, high-level boardroom sessions, and strategic dialogues aimed at catalysing sustainable development and driving impactful change across the continent.

Article

A significant highlight of PAS24 was the official inauguration of the partnership between the East African Community (EAC) and EnergyNet Ltd., underscoring a commitment to collaborative action and regional cooperation. Spearheaded by H.E. Honourable Andrea Malueth, Deputy Secretary General of the EAC Secretariat, this partnership signals a pivotal step towards fostering synergy and leveraging collective efforts to address energy challenges in East Africa.

A focal point of PAS24 was the Ministerial Roundtable, where dignitaries and policymakers convened to discuss critical issues such as lowering debt costs and exploring alternatives to sovereign guarantees. Abebe Selassie of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) emphasized the importance of addressing debt dynamics and fostering climate-resilient development pathways.

The summit commenced with a compelling discussion on ‘Accelerating Energy Access,’ underscoring the urgent need for enhanced collaboration among governments, private sector entities, and international financial institutions. Esteemed speakers, including Adam Cortese of Sun Africa and USAID Administrator Samantha Power, emphasized the critical role of innovative financing models and climate-smart energy strategies in propelling electricity access across Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Africa stands on the cusp of a unique opportunity. Export-Import Bank of the United States would like to be a partner on that journey.” Judith Pryor, who addressed the opening remarks on ‘How EXIM is investing in major energy infrastructure projects’.

Throughout PAS24, esteemed thought leaders and industry experts shared valuable insights and perspectives on various facets of Africa’s energy transition. From discussions on lowering debt costs and exploring alternatives to sovereign guarantees to examining the role of development finance institutions in financing a just energy transition, the summit provided a platform for robust dialogue and knowledge exchange. Pradeep Pursnani of Konexa expressed excitement about the evolving narrative in energy access, underscoring the importance of innovative strategies and inclusive solutions.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    A special highlight of the summit was the Celebration Dinner hosted by Deloitte, dedicated to recognizing the invaluable contributions of women in driving economic development. Adaku Ufere and Lisa Witte delivered inspiring opening remarks, underscoring the transformative impact of gender-inclusive policies and initiatives in Africa’s energy sector.

Charting the Path Forward

As PAS24 drew to a close, participants reflected on key takeaways and actionable insights garnered from the summit’s deliberations. With a renewed commitment to collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development, stakeholders departed with a shared vision of advancing Africa’s energy agenda and forging a brighter, more resilient future for generations to come. Angela Nalikka of the African Development Bank Group emphasized the urgency of a just energy transition and the imperative of ensuring access to basic equipment for sustainable development.

In summary, PAS24 served as a dynamic platform for meaningful dialogue, strategic collaboration, and actionable solutions, underscoring the collective resolve to overcome challenges and unlock the vast potential of Africa’s energy sector. As the continent embarks on its journey towards a sustainable energy future, the insights and partnerships forged at PAS24 will continue to guide and inspire transformative change across Africa and beyond.

PAS24 concluded with expressions of gratitude to participants, speakers, sponsors, and organizers for their invaluable contributions to the conference’s success. Special thanks were extended to summit sponsors, including Power Africa, Sun Africa, African Development Bank Group, and Marathon Digital Holdings, for their steadfast support.

Author

Oluoch Were is the Regional Director for Kenya, and East Africa at Renewables in Africa.

QUICK SUMMARY

• Sustainable Mining Energy
• Gas to Power Viability
• Clean Cooking Initiatives
• National Transmission Roadmap

ARTICLE

Day 2 at the 5th Tanzania Energy Cooperation Summit (TECS24) unfolded with a dynamic agenda, featuring insightful discussions and expert insights that are shaping the energy landscape in the region. The Utilities Roundtable marked the beginning, addressing vital questions on the common needs of regional utilities to enhance power trade in East Africa. Esteemed speakers such as Aleem Tharani from Bowmans, John Mageni, Director of Planning at TANESCO, Olga Utchavo Madeira from ELECTRICIDADE DE MOÇAMBIQUE (EDM), Mizinga Chipuwa Moonga from Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO), and Cletus Nyachowe from ZESA Holdings, Zimbabwe, shared their perspectives.

The interactive boardroom session, “Sustainable Energy Projects for Mining,” provided a platform to explore strategies attracting mining investors to sustainable energy projects, with a focus on Tanzania’s Julius Nyerere project. Visionary leaders including John de Vries (Black Rock Mining), Kwame Parker (Frontier Energy), Jason Brewer (Marula Mining), Eyob Easwaran (TDB), Festo Bartholome (Deloitte & Touche), and Humphrey Simba (ASNL Advisory Limited) contributed valuable insights.

Discussions on Tanzania’s Gas-to-Power Projects addressed crucial questions about the viability roadmap, the role of industrialization, opportunities from Tanzania-Mombasa & Tanzania-Zambia gas pipelines, and plans for CNG amid rising fuel prices. Experts such as Catherine (Power Africa Empowering East & Central Africa), Derick Moshi (TPDC), Adly Kafafy (TAQA Arabia), Gilman Kasiga (GE Vernova), and Bizimana Ntuyabaliwe (PanAfrican Energy Tanzania) shared their perspectives on the abundant gas discoveries.

The Interactive Boardroom on “Fulfilling Tanzania’s Renewable Energy Potential” explored strategies for bringing abundant wind and solar projects in Tanzania to a financial close. The success story of Meridiam’s acquisition of Rift Valley Energy was highlighted, with insights from Rogness Swai, Jérémy Minel, Marvin Bell, Geoffrey Ronoh, Maxime Savinelli, Antje Steiner, and Edouard Wenseleers.

A discussion on building a regional interconnection covered the regional energy trade map, progress on Tanzania-Zambia-Kenya, Tanzania-Mozambique, and Tanzania-Uganda interconnectors. Panelists, including Farid Mohamed, Alison Chikova, James Wahogo, Geoffrey M., and Mizinga Chipuwa Moonga, shared thoughts on financing models and regulatory frameworks.

The event also delved into Tanzania’s Clean Cooking Revolution & the Power of Innovation, discussing initiatives and ideas for improving technologies. The day wrapped up with a discussion on “Concessional Blended Finance for Sustainable Project Development,” featuring Jonathan Berman, Blen Abebe, Tusekile Kibonde, Leo Schiefermueller, Michael Gratwicke, Dennis Keya, and Exuperius Tax. The final panel, “Interactive Boardroom: National Transmission: The Road Map,” featured Aboubakar Massinda, Nyanda Busumabu, Dorian Mead, NGANIKIYE Balthazar, Hamid ALZAYANI, and Nikhil Sharma. As TECS24 comes to a close, the energy community eagerly anticipates more insights and strategies that will shape the future of energy in Tanzania and East Africa.

Quick Summary

The Tanzania Energy Cooperation Summit (TECS24) brought together key figures in the energy sector for a day of insightful discussions and strategic planning. Here are the day’s highlights, capturing the essence of collaboration and innovation in regional energy development:

• Vibrant Start and Emphasis on Collaboration
• Ministerial Round Table on Regional Power Market
• Tanzania’s Ambitious Energy Goals
• Panels on Green Energy and Infrastructure Development

Article

The 5th Tanzania Energy Cooperation Summit (TECS24) kicked off with a vibrant opening ceremony led by John Mongella, Regional Commissioner for Arusha, Tanzania. Mongella set the tone for an event focused on fostering collaboration and innovation in the energy sector. Attendees were welcomed to dynamic discussions on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and Tanzania’s strategic plans for regional energy dominance.

The Ministerial Round Table, a key feature of the day, honed in on “Building a Regional Power Market.” Distinguished figures, including H.E. Andrea Ariik Malueth, Deputy Secretary-General, East African Community (EAC), H.E. Honorable Dr. Eng. Sultan Welle Ahmed, Energy Development State Minister, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H.E. Honourable Okassai Opolot Sidronious, State Minister of Energy, Republic of Uganda, H.E. Honourable Ibrahim Matola, Minister of Energy, Republic of Malawi, and Eng. Innocent G. Luoga, Commissioner of Energy & Renewable Energy, Ministry of Energy, United Republic of Tanzania participated in this pivotal session, chaired by Obbie Banda from ATIDI. Emphasizing unity, the discussion highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration in advancing energy development.

Insightful discussions unfolded around Tanzania’s B+ sovereign credit rating and its impact on the energy market. Eng. Innocent G. Luoga shared the government’s ambitious plan to boost electricity production to 5000 MW by the next year, underscoring Tanzania’s commitment to meeting growing energy demands. Luoga also provided valuable insights into Fitch Ratings’ endorsement and mega-projects, including the $42 billion LNG export terminal and the 2,115MW Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant, positioning Tanzania as a key player in regional energy development.

The spotlight then turned to TANESCO, where Gissima Nyamo-Hanga, MD of TANESCO, echoed the commitment to progress. Her keynote presentation outlined a vision to increase national connectivity to 50% by 2025 and 70% by 2035, underscoring the focus on expansive energy access.

A thought-provoking panel on Oman’s Green Hydrogen Strategy and East Africa’s aspirations unfolded, featuring experts like Hussein Matar, Rumaitha Al Busaidi, Florian Cammas, Richard Kiplagat, Bertrand Tournier, and François-Xavier Dubois. The panel provided insights into Oman’s visionary plan to produce 8.5 million tons of green hydrogen by 2050 and explored valuable lessons for East Africa.

The day also witnessed significant strides in transmission and interconnection projects, discussed in the panel titled “Connecting the Dots: Public-Private Partnership in Transmission Projects.” Experts like Aleem Tharani, Angela Nalikka, Asano Seizaburo, Joe Corbett, Céline ROBERT, and Moshood Bode Abolade shaped discussions on the future of power infrastructure. The DFI Roundtable, the final panel of the day, brought together industry figures to deliberate on expediting and de-risking financial processes. Notable figures, including Jonathan Berman, Obbie Banda, Birgit Edlefsen, Robert Voskuilen, Audrey Maignan, Richard Warugongo, Maïa Schuh, and Marcus Williams, shared insights into financial strategies and closures.

As the curtains fall on TECS24’s first day, the event set the stage for engaging discussions and highlighted the commitment of regional leaders and stakeholders towards fostering collaboration and sustainable energy development. As the summit progresses, anticipation builds for more insights and strategies shaping the future of the energy landscape in Tanzania and the broader East African region. As attendees eagerly anticipate the second day, the momentum for regional energy dominance continues to build.

Author

Oluoch Were is the Chief Operating Officer for Renewables in Africa.

The organization’s role in coordinating national research in the energy space, including renewable energy and energy storage.