The sweltering Moroni heat did little to slow the bustle at the Assemblée de l’Union, where the narrow corridors of the parliamentary complex hummed with conversations, introductions and the steady traffic of geothermal experts crisscrossing the building.
Scientists, policymakers, researchers and industry players had converged in the Comorian capital for the 11th African Rift Geothermal Conference (ARGeo-C11), united by a shared interest in unlocking Africa’s geothermal potential. Amid the exchanges, technical sessions and networking, GDC had answered the Moroni call.
Held in Moroni, Union of the Comoros, from October 19 to 24, 2026, the conference brought together geothermal experts from Africa and beyond to exchange knowledge, share research and explore ways to advance geothermal development.
Team GDC representatives present technical papers at the conference
GDC presented 15 high-quality technical papers at the conference, strengthening its contribution to geothermal development and cementing its place as a regional trailblazer in the sector.
Leading the GDC delegation, General Manager, Business Development, Dr. George Muia, acknowledged the conference’s significance as a platform for the Company to share its technical expertise and engage with stakeholders shaping the sector.
Team GDC representatives keenly follow discussions and presentations at the conference
“These engagements are important for us in our quest to explore new areas of collaboration and expand our reach across the region,” he said.
Away from the technical sessions, GDC’s exhibition stand became another meeting point for geothermal experts and industry players keen to learn about the Company’s work in de-risking geothermal fields and developing geothermal resources into steam to support Kenya’s electricity generation needs.
The stand welcomed distinguished visitors, including Kenya’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, H.E. Ambassador Catherine Kirumba Karemu, and Ms. Consolee Kahindo Sikakulya, Principal Coordinator in Charge of Economy and Finance in the North Kivu Provincial Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their visits providing an opportunity to showcase GDC’s work and share insights into Kenya’s geothermal development journey.
Principal Coordinator in Charge of Economy and Finance in the North Kivu Provincial Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ms. Consolée Kahindo Sikakulya, learns about GDC’s geothermal development activities
For Dr. Muia, the value of the conference extended beyond the papers presented and conversations held in the meeting rooms. The engagements offered avenues for GDC to strengthen professional networks and explore partnerships that could support geothermal development beyond Kenya.
“GDC has built valuable experience across the geothermal value chain. Sharing this expertise and building relationships with other players gives us opportunities to contribute to the growth of geothermal energy in Africa and the world,” he said.
Kenya’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, H.E. Ambassador Catherine Kirumba Karemu, learns about the progress of geothermal development projects by GDC
As the conference drew to a close on Saturday, October 24, the conversations moved from the parliamentary complex to the volcanic landscape of Grande Comore. A field trip to Karthala Volcano, an active volcano overlooking the island, offered GDC’s geologists and scientists an opportunity to explore the geological setting that underpins the Comoros’ geothermal potential.
Visitors gain insights into the company’s progress in geothermal development
And so, as the GDC delegation bid au revoir to Moroni, it carried home more than memories of the sweltering heat and busy corridors. Fifteen technical papers, new professional connections and fresh geothermal insights marked GDC’s participation in a conference that brought the region’s geothermal community together, with new possibilities for collaboration extending beyond the Comoros.
