The Petroleum Bulk Procurement Agency (PBPA) today, January 30, 2026, hosted 30 final-year petroleum engineering students from the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) and Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute (DMI).
The visit, coordinated through the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), aimed to give students practical exposure to PBPA’s operations and the implementation of the Bulk Petroleum System (BPS) in Tanzania.
Speaking during the visit, Acting Logistics Manager at PBPA, Engineer Sophia Kidimwa, said the students had the chance to understand the entire petroleum supply chain, from procurement to storage management.
“We welcomed final-year students who came to learn about all aspects of petroleum supply in Tanzania, including import procedures, logistics, and the benefits of the Bulk Petroleum System,” said Kidimwa.
She noted that PBPA regularly hosts visitors from various institutions interested in understanding the BPS, given its national significance and impact.
Engineer Prudence Laurean, also from PBPA, said the students were taken through all stages of the agency’s operations, including procurement, storage, and the use of the SCADA system to monitor petroleum as it is offloaded from vessels to storage facilities.
“This hands-on training is essential for students. It builds practical knowledge of PBPA’s operations and equips them with skills they can use in their future careers,” Laurean said.
Sifrina John, a UDSM student representing her peers, said the visit was intended to bridge classroom learning with real-world industry experience.
“We wanted to connect what we learn in class with the actual work environment in the petroleum sector and understand how PBPA manages petroleum procurement and distribution,” said John.
She added that the training had given students valuable insights into the sector and PBPA’s role in supporting Tanzania’s economy.
The visit is part of PBPA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with educational institutions and increase youth awareness of strategic systems that support the petroleum sector and national development.