Official launch of FEXTE Kenya–Tanzania–Uganda–France (KTUF) partnership on geothermal development

This ambitious initiative aims to promote low-carbon and climate-resilient economic growth in East Africa by fostering a “win–win” partnership between geothermal actors in Kenya, their counterparts in Tanzania and Uganda, and members of the French geothermal industry.

Catalyst for cooperation between French and East African geothermal ecosystems

The project fully aligns with AFPG’s mission and the priorities of its GEODEEP cluster, as well as France’s National Action Plan for Geothermal Energy (PANG). One of PANG’s strategic objectives is to strengthen the international visibility of French expertise in geothermal development — in this case, by deepening ties between French and East African geothermal ecosystems.

Drawing on the diverse national experiences and complementary expertise of the partners involved, this two-year project seeks to address shared challenges and co-develop roadmaps for geothermal growth — both for power generation and direct uses such as district heating, industry, and agri-food processing.

One of the project’s key deliverables will be a comprehensive benchmark study of geothermal development in East Africa, analyzing public policies, regulatory frameworks, stakeholder mapping, market dynamics, industrial value chains, and financing models. The goal is to assess each country’s level of geothermal maturity and identify tailored strategies to accelerate progress in their respective contexts.

First step toward stronger cooperation

The success of this initiative will rely on the strong engagement of all stakeholders — including public institutions, industry players, development partners, universities, and local communities — to make geothermal energy a true pillar of decarbonization and energy sovereignty in the region.

The signing of this partnership marks an important milestone in the project’s implementation. An East African delegation will be hosted in Paris in January 2026 to share experiences and engage with French companies active in the geothermal sector. This exchange will be a highlight of the program, encouraging synergies between public and private stakeholders and deepening collaboration between French and East African partners.

“By bringing together expertise from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania with French know-how, this project makes technical cooperation a tangible driver of the energy transition. AFD is proud to support this peer-learning dynamic that strengthens resilience and energy autonomy in East Africa.”
— Sandra Kassab, AFD Director for Africa

“Developing geothermal energy in East Africa is a strategic lever for reconciling economic growth, energy security, and the fight against climate change. Through the KTUF project, we are joining forces to build a more sustainable and resilient energy future for the region.”
— Nicolas Guichard, AFD Head of Energy

“East Africa holds unparalleled geothermal potential. With over fifty years of experience in heat and power generation, the French geothermal industry is proud to collaborate with peers in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda to promote and develop geothermal solutions. Sharing knowledge and lessons learned will help accelerate project development and improve risk management.”
— Timothée Dupaigne, International Executive Delegate, GEODEEP

About the AFPG – French Association of Geothermal Professionals

AFPG unites and represents the French geothermal industry. It also promotes this renewable, local, and low-carbon energy source as a means of achieving energy sovereignty and climate resilience, supporting both mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Media Contacts

AFPG: Julie Cazal – +33 6 74 69 78 00, www.afpg.asso.fr

AFD: Sophie Noël – noels@afd.fr