The Minister for Finance, Dr. Mwigulu Lameck Nchemba (MP), recently met with the leadership of the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Project to discuss the current progress of the ongoing construction.
The meeting took place during the 11th East African Oil and Gas Conference at the Julius Nyerere International Conference Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders from the project to review developments and address any challenges faced during its construction.
The meeting was led by Mr. Philippe Groueix, the Chairman of the EACOP Board of Directors, and was attended by various officials involved in the project, including the Commissioner for Policy at the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Johnson Nyella, and the Senior Officer from the Policy Department, Mr. Justine Mlewa.
Mr. Guillaume Dulout, the Executive Director of EACOP, was also present, along with Mr. Geofrey Mponda, the Head of Administration and Human Resources at EACOP, and Ms. Evelyne Amasi, the Government Relations Manager for the project.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Nchemba emphasized the importance of the EACOP project to the region's energy sector and economy.
He highlighted the potential of the pipeline to transform East Africa’s oil and gas industry by providing a reliable and efficient way to transport crude oil from Uganda to Tanzania’s port of Tanga.
The project, which spans across multiple countries, will significantly contribute to economic growth by opening new avenues for regional trade and creating thousands of jobs for locals.
“This project is crucial not only for the energy sector but for the overall development of our region. It offers a major boost to our economy, creates opportunities for businesses, and provides employment to many people,” Dr. Nchemba stated.
The East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline project is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Africa, with an expected cost of over $3.5 billion.
Once completed, it will be one of the longest heated pipelines in the world, stretching over 1,400 kilometers from Uganda’s oil fields to the Tanzanian coast.
The project is expected to have a positive impact on the economies of both Uganda and Tanzania, as it will enable the export of oil to international markets, generating significant revenue for both countries.
Dr. Nchemba also stressed the need for efficient collaboration between the government and the private sector to ensure the success of the project.
“We must continue to work together as a region to ensure that this project is completed on time and delivers the expected results for all stakeholders,” he said.
During the meeting, the EACOP team provided updates on the construction’s progress, including the completion of key infrastructure works and the ongoing development of the pipeline route.
The team also discussed the environmental and social impact assessments that are part of the project’s framework.
These assessments ensure that the project adheres to international standards and minimizes any adverse effects on local communities and the environment.
“The project is progressing well, and we are committed to ensuring that it meets all environmental and social standards.
We understand the importance of the project to the region, and we are working diligently to complete it as planned,” said Mr. Guillaume Dulout, Executive Director of EACOP.
As the meeting concluded, Dr. Nchemba thanked the EACOP leadership for their dedication to the project and reiterated the government's support for the successful completion of the pipeline.
“The government is fully committed to ensuring the success of this project, and we will continue to support the efforts of all involved to make sure that it benefits the people of East Africa,” he concluded.
The East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline project is a milestone for the region, promising to significantly enhance energy security and economic development for both Uganda and Tanzania.
The government and EACOP team remain focused on completing the project and ensuring it provides long-term benefits for the people of East Africa.