Eric Olanya
Country Director, Gridworks Development Partners
📍 UK–Africa Business, Trade & Investment Summit 2025
📅 12 September 2025 | The Royal Horseguards Hotel & One Whitehall Place, London
Uganda’s Energy Sector at a Turning Point
Uganda’s energy sector is entering a pivotal phase—driven by renewable growth, grid upgrades, and targeted private investment.
At the 15th UK–Africa Business, Trade & Investment Summit 2025, Eric Olanya, Country Director at Gridworks Development Partners, stated that Gridworks was currently working on a c.USD 50 million investment in Uganda’s transmission network (substations), and a further project for a 76km green field transmission line. Gridworks hopes to invest even more in Uganda, a signal of strong private confidence in Africa’s clean energy future.
Investing in Clean Energy
With 95% of electricity generated from renewable sources, Uganda holds one of the cleanest energy mixes in Africa. Despite this, a USD 3 billion transmission and grid infrastructure gap remains—creating clear investment opportunities.
Olanya highlighted four areas of focus for private capital:
Independent Private Transmission Development – underpinned by cost-reflective tariffs and regulatory clarity
Last-Mile Distribution – connecting rural and industrial zones not yet fully integrated into the national grid
Renewable Diversification – scaling up wind, geothermal, and nuclear to complement hydropower
Smart Grid Technologies – improving efficiency, reliability, and real-time energy management
“Uganda remains underappreciated globally, but its infrastructure potential is unmatched in the region,” Olanya said.
Policy Alignment and Market Readiness
Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy (ATMs)—focused on Agribusiness, Tourism, Minerals, and Science & Technology—places energy and infrastructure at the core of national development.
Olanya acknowledged the leadership of Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, in advancing Uganda’s clean, reliable, and affordable energy agenda.
At 5 US cents per kWh, Uganda’s industrial tariff is one of the most competitive in Africa. This positions the country well to attract processing and manufacturing investment tied to energy access.
“The mix of renewable abundance, policy stability, and cross-border integration makes Uganda a high-potential energy market,” he said.
Uganda as a Regional Power Hub
As Chair of the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) Council of Ministers, Uganda already exports electricity to Kenya and Rwanda, with connections to South Sudan under development.
Gridworks plans to support Uganda’s position as a regional energy leader by contributing to projects that improve connectivity, enhance grid resilience, and expand access to clean power across East Africa.
Final Message
“Uganda offers what serious investors look for—political stability, regulatory transparency, and a commitment to partnership. The foundation is laid. Now is the time to invest in the future of Africa’s energy infrastructure.” Key Takeaway
Uganda stands out as one of Africa’s most promising energy investment destinations. With a renewable-rich grid, competitive industrial tariffs, and a USD 3 billion transmission infrastructure gap, the country is well positioned to become a clean energy hub for East and Central Africa.
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