Kenya and France have signed a cooperation agreement to accelerate geothermal energy development in East Africa, focusing on Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, according to the French Development Agency (AFD)

The agreement combines Kenya’s expertise in deep geothermal power generation with France’s know-how in direct-use applications of geothermal heat. The initiative aims to develop geothermal potential in the region and create a model of mutually beneficial South–South–North cooperation.

The signing ceremony in Nairobi was attended by Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Energy Alex Wachira, French Ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Suquet, and AFD Africa Director Sandra Kassab.

Ambassador Suquet said, “France, a long-standing and leading bilateral partner in Kenya’s energy transition, is committed to leveraging the country’s world-class geothermal expertise and contributing to its vision of a 100% renewable energy mix and universal access to energy by 2030.”

Kenya ranks seventh globally in geothermal power generation and accounts for over 40% of Africa’s installed geothermal capacity, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

While neighbouring countries such as Tanzania and Uganda have largely untapped geothermal resources, the partnership with France allows Kenya to share its deep geothermal knowledge and France’s expertise in direct-use applications of geothermal heat. This collaboration is expected to accelerate regional clean energy deployment, diversify industrial uses of geothermal resources, and support sustainable economic growth across East Africa.

Alex Wachira added, “This agreement will strengthen regional cooperation to accelerate the use of geothermal energy, thereby stimulating sustainable and resilient economic growth.”

Kenya’s geothermal developers are exploring applications of geothermal heat beyond electricity generation, including milk pasteurisation, heating for flower farms, and the Olkaria geothermal spa. These initiatives broaden the commercial use of geothermal resources and create new revenue streams.

As bne IntelliNews reported, Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen), Kenya’s leading electricity producer, recently launched geothermal drilling operations in Tanzania, deploying over 30 personnel, including senior engineers, to the Mbeya region.

KenGen chief executive Peter Njenga confirmed the Nairobi-listed company was granted exploration rights in both Tanzania and Zambia, with the goal of helping regional partners transition to clean energy by applying its decades of geothermal expertise across East and Southern Africa.

In November 2024, KenGen also advanced a KES 250mn ($1.92mn) geothermal development contract with Eswatini Electricity Company. The contract, awarded earlier in 2024, tasks KenGen with conducting geoscientific studies to assess geothermal potential in three regions of Eswatini.