The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project is continuing to deliver major economic gains for Tanzania, with thousands of jobs created and local companies securing contracts worth more than Sh1.325 trillion, boosting the country’s participation in one of East Africa’s largest energy infrastructure developments.
The Minister for Energy, Deogratius J. Ndejembi, said the project has generated about 10,000 jobs during its implementation phase, with 7,500 positions equivalent to 75 percent going to Tanzanians.
He made the remarks during an inspection tour of the project at the Sindeni Pressure Reduction Station in Handeni District, Tanga Region.
Ndejembi said he was impressed by the level of Tanzanian involvement across all stages of the project, noting that citizens are working as engineers, technicians and general labourers.
He said this broad participation is helping to build valuable skills and experience that will benefit the country long after construction is completed.
He added that the project is giving young Tanzanians exposure to international standards in large-scale energy development, making them more competitive in the job market and better prepared for future strategic projects inside and outside the country.
According to the Minister, although construction is nearing completion, opportunities will continue during the operation phase of the pipeline.
He said the government is focused on ensuring that the benefits of such mega-projects extend beyond infrastructure to long-term skills development and economic empowerment for citizens.
Ndejembi also said the government is advancing new strategic energy projects aimed at strengthening Tanzania’s role as a regional energy hub.
These include plans for a pipeline to transport refined petroleum products from Tanga to Uganda, which is currently under discussions between the two governments.
He further noted plans to rehabilitate and expand the TAZAMA pipeline linking Tanzania and Zambia. The existing pipeline, built in 1968, is now ageing and requires upgrading to meet current and future fuel demand in the region.
On local participation, the Minister said more than 200 Tanzanian companies have been awarded contracts to supply goods and services for the EACOP project.
The contracts are valued at over Sh1.325 trillion, reflecting strong involvement of domestic firms in the project’s supply chain.
He said this achievement shows growing confidence in Tanzanian businesses and their ability to compete in large, complex international projects.
It also reflects government efforts to ensure that major investments directly benefit citizens and stimulate the growth of local industries.
The EACOP project, which runs from Uganda to Tanzania’s port of Tanga, is seen as a key driver of job creation, industrial growth and skills transfer, with lasting benefits expected for both the economy and Tanzanian citizens.
