Inside the 10th EAC Petroleum Conference

The 10th edition EAPCE'23 will take place between 9th-11th May 2023. It is organised by EAC partner states under the East Africa Community Treaty under the theme “East Africa as a hub for Investment in Exploration and Exploitation of Petroleum Resources for Sustainable Energy and Socioeconomic Development”

An opportunity for Uganda's oil exploration

The exhibition presents Uganda with the opportunity to showcase its petroleum potential. The Energy and Minerals Development Minister, Ruth Nankabirwa said the conference will have more people seeking opportunities in Uganda's oil and gas sector. The conference comes against the backdrop of the Final Investment Decision for the Tilenga, Kingfisher, East Africa Crude Oil pipeline, and the second licensing round to explore areas in the Albertine region.

In her speech, read by the Acting Director of Petroleum Honey Malinga, the minister said the conference has created opportunities for the EAC partner states and the private sector through sharing information on investment opportunities in oil and gas.

Early this month, Nankabirwa signed production-sharing agreements(PSAs) and awarded an exploration license to Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) for the Kasuruban area.

The UNOC’s Head of Exploration and New Ventures, Lyoidah Kiconco, said they plan to use the conference to get potential partners to get on board as they embark on exploration.

There had been announcements for third licensing for the oil blocks but Malinga said those plans may not get the green light as the cabinet is yet to approve new blocks and licensing.

Opportunities at EAPCE'23

According to Peter M. Mathuki, the Secretary General East African Community, EAPCE'23 will provide a platform for dialogue for oil and gas sector players on the regional and international levels.

It will also offer a wide range of technical presentations showing developments in the oil and gas industry in the region and globally. The conference will also give stakeholders an opportunity to interact with EAC senior government officials and decision-makers.