The construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) has surpassed 81 percent completion, marking a significant milestone in one of East Africa’s largest energy infrastructure projects.
The progress was disclosed by the Director of Planning and Investment at the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), Derick Moshi, during an energy opportunities symposium for university students held in Arusha over the weekend.
According to Mr Moshi, construction of the pipeline, which began in 2022, has reached an advanced stage and is expected to be completed next year, paving the way for the transportation of the first barrel of crude oil through the pipeline.
He noted that ongoing global oil supply disruptions associated with geopolitical tensions and conflicts in the Middle East continue to underscore the strategic importance of the project for Tanzania and the wider East African region.
Mr Moshi explained that upon completion, the pipeline is expected to contribute to improved energy security by supporting more reliable access to petroleum products.
He added that preparations are already underway for the construction of an oil refinery in Tanga, a development expected to strengthen regional fuel supply systems and reduce vulnerability to external market shocks.
He further stated that TPDC holds a 15 percent equity stake in the project on behalf of the Government of Tanzania, reflecting the country's commitment to participating directly in major energy investments.
Beyond its energy significance, the project continues to create economic opportunities for Tanzanians, particularly young people. Mr Moshi said EACOP has generated more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs while also creating opportunities for skills development, entrepreneurship and local business participation.
Meanwhile, the Assistant Director in the Department of Science and Technology at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Dr Harun Makandi, said the symposium was organised to connect university students with opportunities emerging from major investments in the energy sector.
Dr Makandi noted that the government has consistently promoted partnerships between educational institutions and private sector stakeholders to create platforms that expose young people to employment, innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities.
He added that collaboration between government and private institutions remains essential for building the capacity of youth in key sectors of the economy, including energy, agriculture and health.
EACOP Operations Director Paul Hiegel said the symposium forms part of broader efforts to equip young people with practical knowledge about career opportunities within the project and the wider energy industry.
The capacity building also aims to prepare a skilled workforce capable of supporting the long-term operation of the pipeline.
Providing an update on employment figures, EACOP Director of Human Resources and Services and Acting Tanzania Manager, Geofrey Mponda, said the Tanzanian section of the project had employed 8,856 workers as of the previous day, with Tanzanian youth accounting for 90 percent of the workforce. The figures highlight the project's growing contribution to local employment and skills transfer.
TotalEnergies EP Africa Vice President for Engagement and Advocacy, Marieme Sav Sow, said the symposium offers a valuable platform for young people to acquire practical skills, access employment opportunities and build professional networks with industry leaders.
Similarly, the Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs at TotalEnergies Marketing Tanzania, Getrude Mpangile, observed that such engagements help students gain a deeper understanding of developments in the energy sector, emerging technologies and the management of large-scale energy projects.
She noted that the initiative encourages young people to position themselves for opportunities available after completing their studies.
Participants also acknowledged the value of the symposium in bridging the gap between academic learning and labour market demands.
Students and education stakeholders said the programme provided practical insights into career pathways within the energy industry and helped young people better understand the skills required by employers.
As Tanzania moves closer to completing the EACOP project, stakeholders view investments in youth development and skills transfer as critical to ensuring that the country maximises the long-term economic benefits associated with the multi-billion-dollar energy venture.
