New Zealand-Africa Geothermal Facility
Enabling East Africa’s geothermal transformation – from potential to power
A technical assistance and capacity building facility responsive to partner priorities and needs (2026–2030), supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade through its International Development Cooperation Programme and delivered in partnership with the African Union Commission. Drawing on New Zealand's well-regarded geothermal expertise, the New Zealand-Africa Geothermal Facility (AGF) works with East African partner institutions to unlock their significant geothermal potential for clean, reliable and affordable energy.
Training, workshops & webinars
Online and in-person capacity building programmes, tailored to partner institutions and delivered by sector specialists.
Policy & regulatory capacity strengthening
Support for licensing frameworks, tariff structures, and regulatory environment reform to attract investment.
Application support for geothermal risk financing
Assistance with applications to GRMF and other risk-mitigation facilities to unlock international financing.
Drilling & testing advisory services
Expert drilling support during well planning, procurement, and wellsite operations.
Exploration programme development
Supporting and peer-reviewing surface exploration programmes and resource assessment, helping partners de-risk early stage geothermal development.
Data management & decision-support tools
Establishing data standards and management systems to support long-term institutional knowledge retention.
Steamfield operation & management
Operational support for productive fields, including fluid chemistry, well interventions, and field optimisation.
HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOU
Areas of technical assistance
The AGF delivers targeted technical support across the full geothermal development lifecycle, from early exploration through to operating field management. Services are matched to each partner's development stage and specific needs, drawing on New Zealand's deep sector expertise.
WHERE WE WORK
Partner countries
AGF 2.0 focuses on five priority countries actively pursuing geothermal exploration: Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
Support is calibrated to each partner country's geothermal development stage, from early stage exploration through to operating field management, so that every engagement adds meaningful value.
Ethiopia
Installed capacity: ~7.3 MW (Aluto-Langano, commissioned 1993).
Estimated potential exceeds 10,000 MW across 22 identified prospects.
Active projects include Aluto-Langano expansion (75 MW target), Tulu Moye (50 MW pilot) and Corbetti (500 MW cluster).
Key partners: Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP), Ministry of Mines (MoME).
Kenya
Installed capacity: ~1,032 MW as of March 2026, crossing the 1 GW milestone.
Olkaria remains the primary hub (>800 MW).
National target is 1,413 MW by 2035, with an estimated total potential of 10,000 MW.
Key partners: Geothermal Development Company (GDC), KenGen.
Tanzania
Installed capacity: 0 MW (pre-development stage).
Over 20 surface studies completed across multiple sites.
Key prospects are Ngozi (70 MW target, 300°C confirmed) and Kiejo-Mbaka (60 MW target). National plan targets 130 MW by 2030.
Key partner: Tanzania Geothermal Development Company (TGDC).
Rwanda
Installed capacity: 0 MW (early exploration stage).
Resources located in the Western Rift Valley.
Promising areas include Karisimbi (50–100 MW), Kinigi (30–50 MW), and Bugarama (50–150 MW). National plans include a 25 MW pilot by 2030.
Key partner: Energy Development Corporation Limited (EDCL).
Djibouti
Installed capacity: 0 MW (exploration stage).
Three wells drilled at Lake Assal / Fiale Caldera (2013–2020).
Estimated potential: 500–1,000 MW, with an initial 50 MW plant feasible at the Fiale area. National target: 100% renewable energy by 2035.
Key partner: Djiboutian Office for the Development of Geothermal Energy (ODDEG).
WORK WITH THE AGF
How to engage
The AGF has distinct engagement pathways depending on whether you are an implementing partner, a financing institution, or a regional network or association.
FOR IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS
Submit a technical assistance request
National utilities, state-owned enterprises, and regulatory agencies should first engage with the Facility directly via the Facility Manager, before submitting an official request to the AUC.
FOR DEVELOPMENT FINANCE PARTNERS
Co-financing and programme coordination
The AGF is designed to complement and strengthen existing donor programmes. Active coordination with GRMF, the African Development Bank, GIZ, JICA, the World Bank, the EU, and bilateral mechanisms is a core part of the Facility’s operating model. We welcome co-financing arrangements that enhance the impact of Facility initiatives.
FOR SECTOR NETWORKS & ASSOCIATIONS
Knowledge and inclusion partnerships
AGA, AWAG, WING, UNEP, and other regional organisations can engage the AGF on joint training events, GESI programming, webinars, and sector knowledge activities across the East African Rift region.