Rwanda Showcases Lake Kivu Basin Investment Potential at AOW2026, Invites Global Industry to EAPCE27

Accra, Ghana, September 3, 2026 – Think of Rwanda? Rolling hills and lush landscapes probably come to mind first. But don't overlook Lake Kivu — its rich methane reserves and growing hydrocarbon potential are turning the land of a thousand hills into an emerging frontier for oil and gas investment.

During Africa Oil Week (AOW) Sept 1-3, 2026, in Accra, Ghana, Rwanda highlighted its petroleum sector landscape. Speaking during the panel discussion titled “Regional Energy Showcase: Eastern & Southern Africa Outlook,” RMB Chief Geohazards Officer Ms Barbara Akaliza presented the Lake Kivu Basin as one of East Africa's most promising frontier energy provinces. She underscored the basin's diverse portfolio of upstream petroleum and natural gas opportunities, covering a range of exploration stages that offer significant prospects for investors and industry partners.

Lake Kivu, a basin rich in opportunity

The Lake Kivu Basin is located in Rwanda's Western Province and forms part of the western branch of the East African Rift System. The basin is internationally recognised for its substantial methane gas resources dissolved in Lake Kivu's deep waters, making it one of the few lakes in the world with commercially exploitable quantities of methane.

Beyond its established methane potential, acquired 466 km 2D Seismic, 3438 Marine Gravity and Magnetic data demonstrates attractive opportunities for hydrocarbon exploration and production. Lake Kivu Basin’s analogue to the prolific Eastern African rift basins, Albertine and Muglad, where commercial discoveries were made further highlights the potentiality of Lake Kivu Basin for Investment. 

Invitation to EAPCE27

In her remarks, Ms Akaliza extended an invitation to investors, operators, service companies and other industry stakeholders to participate in the East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition (EAPCE27).

The conference, scheduled to take place in Kigali from 9 to 11 March 2027, is expected to bring together more than 1500 delegates from the region and around the world comprising policymakers, regulators, national oil companies, investors, financiers, service providers and energy professionals from across Africa and beyond.

Held under the auspices of the East African Community, EAPCE27 will provide a premier platform for discussions on investment opportunities, regional cooperation, technological innovation and sustainable development within the petroleum sector. The event will also showcase emerging projects and promote partnerships that can accelerate energy development across the region.