Vice President Dr. Philip Isdor Mpango has called for better energy resource development across Africa, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, to meet growing energy demands.
He stressed the importance of using available resources, such as oil and natural gas, in ways that promote economic and social growth while safeguarding the environment for future generations.
Speaking on March 5, 2025, during the opening of the East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition (EAPCE'25) in Dar es Salaam, Dr. Mpango highlighted the disparity in energy consumption between Africa and other continents, such as America, Asia, and Europe.
He urged African nations to innovate ways of utilizing their natural resources, emphasizing the need for sustainable development.
"In an era where sustainable energy development is crucial for the future of our environment, economy, and societies, and as the world faces climate change challenges, we must use our existing resources, including oil and natural gas, without compromising the future of generations to come," Dr. Mpango stated.
The Vice President also pointed out that East Africa is rich in energy resources, including oil and natural gas. Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, and South Sudan have made significant discoveries in this sector, and the region also has geothermal and methane gas resources.
“We must use these resources to reduce the energy gap and accelerate development,” he added.
Dr. Mpango acknowledged the global climate change crisis and the challenges it brings, including unpredictable weather patterns, flooding, earthquakes, and rising temperatures.
He reaffirmed Tanzania's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and working towards a zero-carbon future by 2050.
However, he stressed the importance of balancing economic growth with sustainability in energy development.
“We must strike a balance between economic growth and sustainability of our energy resources. We should address today's challenges while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow,” Dr. Mpango explained.
The Vice President also discussed the transition from polluting energy sources to cleaner alternatives, emphasizing the need for significant investments and expertise.
He mentioned that Africa requires between $1 trillion and $2 trillion to meet clean energy goals by 2030.
“We must create a favorable investment environment and foster public-private sector collaboration to achieve this,” Dr. Mpango said.
Dr. Doto Biteko, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, also highlighted the increasing demand for energy, particularly natural gas, as the economy grows.
He praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her efforts to develop the country's petroleum resources, particularly in the Songosongo and Mnazi Bay fields.
"I commend President Samia for advancing the development of our petroleum sector, particularly in the Songosongo and Mnazi Bay fields," Dr. Biteko said.
Uganda's Minister of Energy, Hon. Ruth Nankwabira Seitamo, emphasized the importance of using revenue from oil and gas to benefit other sectors, such as education, health, and infrastructure.
“We need to ensure that the oil and gas sector benefits all sectors of society, ensuring everyone has access to its advantages,” said Nankwabira.
Veronica Nduva, the Executive Secretary of the East African Community, praised Tanzania for hosting the conference and noted that the event aligns with the EAC's goals of ensuring sustainable oil and gas resource development.