Ministers from various East African Community (EAC) countries and major energy consumers are expected to convene in Arusha for the East Africa Energy Cooperation Summit (EA-ECS), which is scheduled to take place from January 29 to 30.

The summit will focus on creating opportunities for the private sector, promoting a diversified energy mix to strengthen the resilience of the national grid, supporting industrial growth, and increasing electricity generation for commercial and industrial purposes.

Speaking about yesterday's summit, Andrea Malueth, Deputy Secretary-General (Infrastructure, Productive, Social, and Political Sectors) of the East African Community Secretariat, said that building on last year’s achievements, the summit will enhance cooperation across East Africa.

He noted that the summit will also highlight the EAC's vision for deeper regional integration and its pivotal role in fostering industrialization and collaboration among stakeholders.

He added that the event will bring together private energy producers in Africa and stakeholders in Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Finance (EPCF) to explore investment opportunities and innovations initiated by key strategic companies, including Africa Data Centers and iXAfrica.

“At the heart of this regional investment activity is the EAC Secretariat, which connects investors and policymakers alongside EnergyNet, focusing on ‘Resource Wealth. Energy Access. Investment Opportunities,’” he said, adding:

“Energy is the backbone of development and growth and is critical for the economic functionality of East African Community Member States. The East Africa Energy Cooperation Summit will serve as an excellent platform to advance projects and bring tangible changes in the sector,” he said.

He further noted that the EA-ECS will welcome politicians and prominent leaders from all East African countries and their energy sectors to the summit, where they will join private sector developers shaping the future of East Africa's energy landscape, serving approximately 500 million people.

Elisa Palmioli, Producer at EnergyNet, said: “Ten years from now, the East African middle class will have greater job security, more opportunities, and higher incomes than ever before. New railways, industries, ports, and tourism will make this region a global investment magnet, surpassing Asia and Latin America.”

She cited achievements such as the Ethiopia-Kenya electricity interconnector, underscoring the potential for transformative cross-border cooperation for economic and social development.

She mentioned other achievements, including the increased demand for energy production by external users. The summit is expected to focus on the mining sector and digital infrastructure.

In 2024, following EnergyNet's Powering Africa Summit in Washington DC, USA, Mara Holdings committed to investing in East Africa by signing a significant agreement with the Kenyan government. This move underscores the transformative potential for the region and the commercial viability for Independent Power Producers (IPPs).