East African CSOs are calling for an end to fossil fuel investment as the 10th East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition 2023 kicks off

Forty-one East African Civil Society Organisations (CSOS) have sent an open letter to the Heads of State of East African countries, calling for an end to fossil fuel investments in the region. The letter is a reaction to the 10th East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition taking place in Kampala, Uganda, from the 9th - 11th of May 2023, which focuses on East Africa as a hub for Investment in the Exploration and Exploitation of Petroleum Resources for Sustainable Energy and Socioeconomic Development.

The letter by the CSOs argues that despite their focus on the petroleum sector, exploiting the region's oil and gas reserves undermines the countries' goals of promoting socio-economic development and energy access. The letter highlights concerns over the economic risks posed by investing in oil and gas in light of the growing demand for renewable energy, as well as the ecological disasters, economic impacts, and conflicts that often arise as a result of the exploitation of natural resources by multinational companies in Africa. The CSOs call on the heads of state to prioritize investment in renewable energy and green economic sectors instead. Click here to read the letter in full.