Kenya, Nairobi – Kenya has strengthened its global leadership position in renewable energy after winning the bid to host the World Geothermal Congress (WGC) 2029. This achievement marks the first time this prominent event will be held on African soil.
The International Geothermal Association announced its selection of Nairobi, ahead of strong bids from rival cities such as Auckland, New Zealand, and Munich, Germany. This decision underscores Kenya’s growing influence on the global clean energy scene.
African leadership and enormous potential
Kenya’s leadership in geothermal energy is based on decades of experience, making it the top producer of geothermal energy in Africa and one of the leading countries globally.
Much of this progress is based on the Rift Valley, where the Ulcaria fields have become a symbol of Kenya’s technological advancement and commitment to sustainable energy.
The World Geothermal Energy Conference, to be held at the United Nations Environment Programme headquarters in Nairobi, is expected to attract more than 3,000 scientists, innovators, policymakers and industry experts.
Hosting the event provides Kenya with a rare opportunity to showcase its achievements, deepen international partnerships, and attract new investments to its growing geothermal energy sector.
A major transformation for the African continent
Kenya’s victory marks a significant milestone for the region and signals a major shift in the global renewable energy debate for Africa. The continent possesses enormous untapped geothermal potential along the Great Rift Valley, stretching from Djibouti and Ethiopia to Tanzania, yet only a small fraction of this potential has been developed.
The upcoming conference is expected to strengthen regional cooperation and enhance technical expertise among African scientists and engineers. It will also accelerate funding and technology transfer for geothermal energy projects across East Africa.
By hosting this event, Kenya is positioning itself at the heart of global discussions on climate and energy, providing a platform for Africa to amplify its voice and push for greater international support to unlock the continent’s vast geothermal energy resources.
