Petroleum resources to take centre stage at regional meeting in Dar

Dar es Salaam. The role of petroleum resources in East Africa’s energy mix is set to take centre stage as industry experts gather for a regional conference next week.

The East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition 2025 (EAPCE’25) is scheduled to take place from March 5 to 7, 2025 at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam.

The biennial conference will serve as a key platform for dialogue among regional and international stakeholders in the petroleum sector.

The event has been held every two years since 2003, bringing together policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to discuss opportunities and challenges in the region’s oil and gas industry, according to a circular about the event.

Under the theme “Unlocking investment in future energy: The role of petroleum resources in the energy mix for sustainable development in East Africa,” the conference will feature technical papers, poster presentations, and exhibitions aimed at fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. Delegates will also have the opportunity to participate in field excursions to geological sites, ongoing projects, and areas of touristic significance.

As the world grapples with an energy crisis, experts argue that a diversified energy mix—including renewables such as solar, wind, and nuclear—will be essential for ensuring sustainable development.

Notably, over 90 percent of electricity generated in East Africa comes from clean energy sources. Policymakers attending the conference are expected to deliberate on strategies to integrate petroleum with other energy sources while maintaining a commitment to sustainability.

EAC Partner States will use the forum to showcase petroleum exploration and production potential in the region. They will also present updates on ongoing activities and share insights into their respective policy, legal, and regulatory frameworks aimed at enhancing the investment climate for the industry.

Participants will have the chance to promote their businesses, network through business-to-business meetings, and experience East Africa’s cultural and tourism offerings.

Among the notable participants is Canadian firm Rocky Mountain Clean Fuel Inc, which is planning a $420 million gas-to-liquid project in Tanzania. The facility is expected to process natural gas into jet fuel and diesel, contributing to the country’s energy security and economic development.

EAPCE’25 seeks to promote the East African region’s petroleum potential, highlight investment opportunities, and facilitate the exchange of information and technological advancements in the oil and gas industry.