Significant onshore oil discoveries in Uganda and Kenya together with the huge offshore gas discoveries in Tanzania and Mozambique has made the region a world energy center of attraction Industrial experts said.

The organizer of East Africa Oil and Gas Summit, Global Events and Partners (GEP) said “the speed at which regional governments are developing hydrocarbon reserves is a clear indication of their will to cement the region’s reputation as the new hotspot in hydrocarbon exploration and production”

The remarks follows a directive from Tanzanian President John Magufuli to Energy Ministry officials to expedite exploitation of natural gas as a matter of urgency.

Also Kenya’s “President Uhuru Kenyatta announced that the government has brought forward the country’s oil production deadline by two years and ‘set a path’ that will enable the country to become a major producer and exporter by 2019” GEP Noted.

Tullow Oil promised to send the country’s first barrels of oil to the market in March 2017, with exports expected soon after.

Kenya Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter expected to deliver the keynote speech at the East Africa Oil & Gas Summit & Exhibition (EAOGS) slated for November 15-17, 2016.

The event which is being hosted in Kenya for the fourth time will bring together government delegations from allover East Africa and Africa, international oil companies, suppliers to the industry and investors from across the world.

Other experts confirmed to speak alongside Keter include: Hajatiana Rasolomanana, Director General of Hydrocarbons, Ministry of Energy & Hydrocarbons, Madagascar; Keith Hill, CEO, Africa Oil Corp.; Ebbie Haan, Oil Chief Growth Officer, Maersk; Toks Azeez, Business Development Director, Baker Hughes; and Richard Kiplagat, COO, Africa Practice.

The key topics being tackled in 2016 will include: progress being made in the Rift Valley, Uganda and Indian Ocean; real world innovations in offshore production technology and supply chain management; legal, institutional and regulatory challenges facing the industry; and environmental and safety concerns.

Participants will enjoy free entry into the international exhibition where the likes of Bell Geospace, Blackwood Hodge, Palisade Europe and Vasler Oil & Gas will be showcasing the latest innovative products and services available to the industry.