In 2024, following EnergyNet’s Powering Africa Summit in Washington DC, USA, Mara Holdings signalled their intent to invest in East Africa by signing a major off-taker MOU with the government of Kenya, setting the tone for what will potentially change the game for the region and the commercial validity for many IPPs.

At the East Africa Energy Cooperation Summit (EA-ECS), taking place 29-30 January in Arusha, Tanzania, we are pleased to unite the Africa’s energy IPPs and EPCF stakeholders to explore the investment potential and innovations being created by strategically important companies, including Africa Data Centres and iXAfrica.

At the heart of this regional surge in investment activity sits the EAC Secretariat, who convene investors and policy makers alongside EnergyNet, focusing on “Resource Wealth. Energy Access. Investment Opportunities."

Building on the success of last year, the summit will foster cooperation across East Africa, reflecting the East African Community’s (EAC) vision of deeper regional integration and the critical role of promoting industrialisation and cooperation among stakeholders.

• Success stories, including the Ethiopia-Kenya electricity highway, underscore the transformative potential of cross-border collaboration for economic and social development.
• Off-takers are boosting the need for energy generation and the summit will focus on both the mining industry and digital infrastructure.

Led by Ministers from across the EAC and large-scale energy users, over two days, the Arusha Summit will deep dive into opportunities for the private sector, advocating for a diversified energy mix to maintain grid stability to support major industrial growth, as well as C&I generation.

“Energy is a pillar for development and growth and is crucial for the functioning of the economies of the EAC Partner States. The East Africa Energy Cooperation Summit will serve as the ideal platform for advancing projects and bringing tangible changes in the industry,” said H.E. Honourable Andrea Malueth, Deputy Secretary General (Infrastructure, Productive, Social & Political Sectors), East African Community Secretariat.

EA-ECS will welcome prominent politicians and leaders from all countries of the EAC and its energy sector. They join the private sector business developers who are shaping the future of East Africa's energy landscape, serving some 500 million people.

“Ten years from now, the EAC’s middle classes will have more job stability, more opportunities, and more disposable income than ever before. New railways, industries, ports, and tourism will position the region as the number one investment destination globally, taking the title back from both parts of Asia and Latin America,” said Elisa Palmioli, Producer, EnergyNet.