EAC establishes renewable energy centre of excellence to boost sustainable energy solutions

Dar es Salaam. The East African Community (EAC) has made a significant move toward securing a sustainable energy future by officially establishing the East African Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Centre of Excellence (EACREEE). 

This decision was finalized on February 14, 2025, during the 16th Meeting of the Sectoral Council of Ministers on Energy, marking a pivotal step in addressing the region's growing energy needs.

The EAC secretariat's senior public relations officer, Mr Simon Owaka, confirmed that the Sectoral Council agreed to institutionalize EACREEE, transforming it into an EAC-affiliated institution. 

This strategic decision is designed to strengthen the region’s energy sector, which faces considerable challenges in meeting the increasing energy demands of its rapidly growing population.

"EACREEE has been operational for several years, promoting renewable energy adoption and energy efficiency across East Africa," Mr Owaka said. 

"With the EAC’s formal backing, the center will be better equipped to mobilize resources, promote energy access, and support climate action both regionally and globally."

The decision to institutionalize EACREEE followed a comprehensive review of its progress and challenges. 

The Sectoral Council directed the EACREEE Secretariat to collaborate with the EAC Secretariat in developing a concept paper that outlines the center's establishment, progress, and future growth potential.

"The mandate of EACREEE is multifaceted, aiming to tackle energy-access deficits, address the region's increasing energy demands, and support climate action," Mr Owaka added. 

"The center will foster collaboration between the private sector, development partners, and the public sector to accelerate renewable energy adoption and promote energy efficiency."

The move to institutionalize EACREEE is expected to have minimal financial implications, as the center has demonstrated financial sustainability, funding its operations without direct contributions from partner states. 

This financial resilience positions the center as a critical institution capable of sustaining and expanding its impact as it enters the next phase of development.

"EACREEE’s impact on the region’s energy landscape is poised to grow significantly with institutional status," Mr Owaka stated.

EACREEE’s initiatives will play a crucial role in addressing pressing energy challenges, including power shortages and environmental degradation. 

The center’s work aligns with the EAC’s Vision 2050 and the African Union's Agenda 2063, both of which emphasize the importance of clean, affordable, and sustainable energy sources.

A counsel to the community, Dr Anthony Kafumbe, emphasized the critical need for sustainable energy access for all 130 million EAC citizens. 

"Reliable and affordable energy is essential to the transformation and development outlined in our Vision 2050. We must work together to harness the region’s diverse energy resources and advance technological innovation in the energy sector," Dr Kafumbe said.

The meeting also focused on key energy issues, including progress on the Regional Energy Efficiency Policy and preparations for the 11th East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition in 2025.

Additionally, the Sectoral Council reviewed the East African Power System Master Plan and discussed the need for expanded power generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure to meet growing electricity demand.

While consultations on the Regional Energy Efficiency Policy had progressed, Tanzania requested additional time for further discussions. 

As a result, the Sectoral Council extended the consultation period until the end of June 2025, with a regional validation meeting scheduled for July 2025 to finalize the policy.

With its formal institutionalization, EACREEE is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing the EAC’s energy security and sustainability goals, helping to shape the region’s long-term energy future.