By Nyang’au Araka
The Tanzanian government has donated land for the construction of a regional institution that will be the Energy Regulation Centre of Excellence (ERCE)-the first ever in Africa.
The institution will tap and train personnel from the East African Community (EAC) member countries and beyond.
Member states of EAC are; Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi, DRC and Tanzania.
The training institution is a flagship project of the East African Energy Regulators Association (EREA), which is headquartered in Arusha.
EREA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Geofrey Aori Mabea said the ambitious project will cost $12 million.
“A number of development partners institutions have already expressed interest to support us to actualize this project,” said Dr. Aori.
Presenting the title deed for the land on third February 2023, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania-H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu, emphasised on the need for the region to work towards achieving affordable and reliable energy to accelerate industrial revolution in the region.
The president further urged EREA to move with speed with the operationalisation of a robust power pool and harmonisation of energy polices so that the region could attract strategic investment in the region.
It will sit on the five acres of land donated by the government in Arusha.
At present, all energy regulation related studies are offered by regulation excellence centres in Europe and United States.
Africa has been spending colossal financial resources for training its energy experts abroad.
The training institution will in the long-term benefit EAC member countries as well as other African countries.
The Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) Board Chairman, Prof Mark Mwandosya who doubles up as the chairperson of EREA General Assembly welcomed President Suluhu’s gesture, adding that it was an honour for Tanzania to host the ERCE.
“EREA secretariat has already established the centre of excellence within the Secretariat offices to commence ERCE short courses in regulation at their current offices in Arusha,” said Prof. Mwandosya.
The acquisition of land, Prof. Mwandosya said, was good news for the coming EREA General Assembly in July this year.
The General Assembly will be held in Arusha, and will draw participants from member countries and around the globe. During this period, EREA will also hold its first annual research conference which has also attracted top notch researches across Africa.
Dr. Mabea a renown energy economist said ERCE will be an institution of its kind in Africa and will be a major milestone for the Government of Tanzania and the region.
“ERCE will also collaborate with other universities within the Eastern Africa region and share information which will enhance sustainable capacity building through its practical tailor-made courses on energy matters,” he said.
ERCE curriculum and a 5-year Strategic Plan were developed and approved by its Executive Council held in December in Rwanda. These documents were developed based on identifiable training gaps. A database of regional experts is also being updated.
