The East African Community (EAC)has officially set up the East African Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Centre of Excellence (EACREEE), a big step in helping the region meet its growing energy needs with clean and reliable solutions.
This decision was made on February 14, 2025, during the 16th Meeting of the Sectoral Council of Ministers on Energy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
With this move, EACREEE is now recognized as an EAC-affiliated body, giving it more strength to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency across the region.
EACREEE has been running for years, focusing on renewable energy projects and ways to use energy better.
But now, with full support from the EAC, it has more power to bring in funding, work closely with partners, and expand its impact.
Simon Owaka, the EAC Secretariat’s senior public relations officer, said this formal recognition will help EACREEE address energy shortages and support regional development while also tackling climate-related issues.
This comes at a time when more than 130 million people in East Africa still do not have access to modern energy.
Reliable and affordable electricity is key to achieving the EAC’s Vision 2050, which aims to transform the region’s economy.
Dr. Anthony Kafumbe, counsel to the community, said that using the region’s available energy resources and advancing technology will be essential in reaching these goals.
By making EACREEE an official body, East Africa is setting up a platform to tackle energy challenges while aligning with global sustainability plans like the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
EACREEE’s main role is to push for renewable energy and energy-saving methods to support economic growth and protect the environment.
The center will work with private companies, development organizations, and governments to speed up the use of clean energy.
This teamwork is expected to create the right conditions for investments in renewable energy while also encouraging new ideas and knowledge sharing across East Africa.
EACREEE’s efforts will also help improve people’s lives. By supporting renewable energy projects, the center will create jobs in solar panel manufacturing, wind turbine installation, and green technology maintenance.
These job opportunities will be especially helpful in rural areas, where unemployment is high. Additionally, promoting energy-saving appliances will help families cut down on electricity costs while reducing pollution.
On a larger scale, EACREEE’s work will also bring East African countries closer by harmonizing policies and creating a strong market for clean energy products and services.
Another key advantage of EACREEE is that it has been able to operate without needing direct funding from EAC member states, making it a reliable institution that can grow and expand its work.
The institutionalization of EACREEE also fits well with other ongoing regional efforts, such as developing a Regional Energy Efficiency Policy and preparing for upcoming energy conferences.
These steps highlight the importance of working together to solve East Africa’s energy challenges.
As the region continues to struggle with power shortages and environmental concerns, EACREEEis in a strong position to make a real difference.
By promoting clean and affordable energy, the center will help improve lives while also contributing to global climate goals.
With clear backing from the EAC and a strong plan, EACREEE is ready to lead East Africa toward a future with more reliable and sustainable energy.
