The missing East African oil boom

Over a decade on from the first discoveries, East Africa’s oil is still yet to deliver on its promises. There have been many reasons behind the delays, but many have been caused by domestic and regional politics, both of which will continue to be central in determining the success of new growth opportunities.

In his article for African Arguments, DIIS senior researcher Luke Patey highlights the main political and security risks facing oil industries in Uganda, Kenya, and South Sudan. But he also reveals the impact of regional relations in delaying the development of joint pipeline infrastructure and East Africa’s oil potential.

Patey heads of the Africa oil and gas programme at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, University of Oxford, a collaboration providing an in-depth understanding of the economic, political, and security trends shaping Africa’s energy industry.