Rwanda takes the baton as preparations begin for the 12th East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition 2027
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 27th April, 2026: Preparations for the 12th East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition 2027 (EAPCE’27) have officially commenced following the handover of hosting responsibilities from the United Republic of Tanzania to the Republic of Rwanda.
The 12th edition of the Conference is scheduled to take place from 9th to 11th March, 2027 in Kigali, Rwanda. The Conference is organised by the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat in collaboration with the EAC Partner States, and is expected to attract over 1,500 participants, including government officials, investors, industry leaders, researchers, and development partners.
Held under the theme “From Energy Resources to Prosperity: Driving Energy Security, Growth and Global Competitiveness,” the Conference will highlight the region’s petroleum potential, exploration developments and the wide range of investment opportunities available across the petroleum value chain.
The Regional Steering Committee for EAPCE’27, composed of experts from the EAC Partner States and representatives from the EAC Secretariat, have convened in Karongi, Rwanda, from 23rd to 29th April, 2026 for a key meeting marking the official start of preparations for the Conference.
Speaking during the meeting, the Chairperson of the Regional Steering Committee, Ms. Barbara Akaliza, Chief Geo-Hazard Officer, Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB), emphasised the growing importance of the Conference, noting that it is the region’s premier petroleum sector event.
“EAPCE is a flagship regional platform that promotes investment and partnerships. It presents an opportunity for the region to showcase its hydrocarbon potential. The Republic of Rwanda is not only ready but excited to host the Petroleum Conference in 2027. We call upon all Partner States to join hands with Rwanda in the planning to ensure a successful Conference,” said Ms. Akaliza.
Acknowledging the success of the previous Conference hosted by the United Republic of Tanzania in 2025, EAC Director of Infrastructure, Eng. Robert Achieng, expressed appreciation to Rwanda and all Partner States for their continued commitment to the development of the petroleum sector.
Eng. Achieng noted that the success of regional conferences such as EAPCE demonstrates the region’s commitment to achieving its petroleum sector development goals and the braider integration objectives.
“This Conference is expected to promote a regional petroleum sector that supports business growth, creates employment opportunities and contributes to household incomes, while ensuring compliance with social and environmental safeguards across the region,” he said.
The Director further challenged the Steering Committee to deliver a vibrant and impactful Conference that effectively showcases the opportunities available within the region’s petroleum sector.
The petroleum sector continues to play an important role in supporting the region’s growth and development. It supports industrialisation and economic expansion, creates jobs and business opportunities, and improves energy security and access across Partner States. The sector also supports key industries such as transport, manufacturing, and infrastructure development. In addition, petroleum development contributes to regional trade and integration. Petroleum resources therefore remain an important part of East Africa’s energy mix.
Over the past two decades, the East African Petroleum Conferences have served as important platforms for dialogue between governments, investors, and industry players from across the world. Since its inception in 2003, the Conference has played a key role in promoting awareness of the region’s petroleum potential, supporting policy development, encouraging technology transfer, and strengthening regional cooperation.
The Conference also supports the implementation of the EAC Vision 2050, which aims to promote economic growth, regional integration, and sustainable development. Through increased production, trade, investment, and collaboration in the oil and gas sector, the region continues to strengthen its energy market.
Looking ahead to 2050, the EAC envisions a sustainable, affordable, and secure energy mix that meets the growing needs of its citizens. Petroleum resources remain an important part of this energy mix, supporting industrial growth, infrastructure development, and improved access to modern energy services.
Participants at EAPCE’27 can expect a rich programme featuring technical presentations, exhibitions, business networking opportunities, and field excursions, which will showcase the region’s geological potential as well as its cultural and tourism attractions.
For more information, please contact:
Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department
EAC Secretariat
Arusha, Tanzania
Email:
Website: www.eac.int