Arusha, Tanzania (Feb. 18, 2025) – The East African Community (EAC) has agreed to establish the East African Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (EACREEE) as an official regional institution, a move aimed at strengthening efforts to improve energy access and sustainability in the region.
The decision was made during the 16th Meeting of the Sectoral Council of Ministers on Energy, held Feb. 14 in Arusha, Tanzania. The council directed EACREEE’s Secretariat to work with the EAC Secretariat to develop a concept paper detailing the institution’s progress, challenges, and opportunities.
EACREEE’s primary role is to support member states in addressing energy deficits, increasing energy demands, and advancing climate action. The transition is expected to have minimal financial implications for the EAC, as the center has already demonstrated its ability to sustain operations through resource mobilization rather than direct contributions from partner states.
Dr. Anthony Kafumbe, Counsel to the Community, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in achieving energy security. Speaking on behalf of Deputy Secretary General Hon. Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, Kafumbe said, “Reliable and affordable energy is an imperative for the transformation and development outlined in our EAC Vision 2050.”
The institutionalization of EACREEE is expected to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives, supporting both economic development and global climate goals. The center’s mandate aligns with several key policy frameworks, including the EAC Treaty, the EAC Vision 2050, and the African Union Agenda 2063.
In addition to energy discussions, the council reviewed preparations for the upcoming East African Petroleum Conferences, including the 11th edition scheduled for March 5-7, 2025, at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Officials reported that 50% of the expected 1,000 delegates had already registered and urged all partner states to complete registrations by Feb. 28.
The council also addressed the region’s power supply situation, noting that access to electricity remains low. Partner states were encouraged to invest in power generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure while developing strategies to boost energy consumption for productive use.
On energy efficiency policy, the council acknowledged progress in country consultations but granted Tanzania additional time until June 2025 for further input. A regional validation meeting is set for July 2025 to finalize the policy.
The five-day meeting, which began on Feb. 10, included sessions for senior officials, coordination committees, and ministers.
