The Vice President of Tanzania, Dr. Philip Mpango, has urged East African nations to strengthen their cooperation to fully benefit from the region’s fast-growing energy sector.
Speaking at the opening of the 11th East African Petroleum Conference in Dar es Salaam, Dr. Mpango emphasized the importance of working together to utilize available energy resources.
"We must unite to develop our energy sector and create a path for sustainable growth and long-term prosperity," he said.
He also welcomed investors and development partners to collaborate with East African nations in advancing the sector.
The Vice President called for conference discussions to help shape policies that support sustainable energy development.
He stressed the need for a "fair transition to clean energy that ensures everyone benefits and no one is left behind."
Dr. Mpango highlighted the importance of efficiently using all energy resources, including oil, to meet the rising demand for economic growth.
"If managed well, energy resources can become a key source of government revenue to invest in infrastructure and social services," he noted.
He also pointed out East Africa’s rich energy potential, mentioning discoveries of "natural gas in Tanzania, oil in Uganda, Kenya, and Sudan, methane in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and geothermal energy in Tanzania and Kenya."
Additionally, Dr. Mpango emphasized the role of technology in improving sustainable oil extraction. He urged governments to ensure that "revenue from energy investments supports development projects, creates jobs, and restores the environment.
" He also called for policies that allocate a percentage of oil revenues for future use.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Hon. Dr. Doto Biteko, praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her efforts in developing the country’s gas sector.
"Under her leadership, Tanzania has strengthened gas production in the Songosongo and Mnazi Bay blocks, boosting the gas economy," he said.
Dr. Biteko also noted that Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) has increased its stake in the Mnazi Bay block from "20% to 40%," marking significant progress in the industry.