Officials from Tanzania’s Ministry of Energy, who toured the pipeline infrastructure in the Chongoleani area of Tanga, said major sections of the project had already been completed, with only limited work remaining on some parts of the pipeline.

“This is not just a pipeline project, but an economic lifeline that will create business opportunities, jobs and new technologies for our youth,” said Innocent Luoga, commissioner for electricity and renewable energy in the ministry.

The 1,443-kilometre heated crude oil pipeline will transport oil from Uganda’s Lake Albert basin in Hoima District to Tanzania’s port city of Tanga for export to global markets.

The project is one of East Africa’s largest energy infrastructure developments and has been closely watched by investors, environmental groups and regional governments because of its economic and environmental implications.

Luoga said officials were satisfied with the pace of construction after inspecting pipeline installation works and storage facilities during the visit.

“We are pleased and satisfied and the report presented to us reflects the actual progress on the ground,” he said, adding that authorities expected the remaining works to be completed within schedule.

The project has been promoted by Tanzania and Uganda as a catalyst for economic growth, regional integration and industrial development.

Tanzanian authorities say the project has already generated thousands of direct and indirect jobs, while creating opportunities for local suppliers and contractors along the pipeline route.

According to officials, more than 9,000 Tanzanians have been employed through the project in skilled and unskilled roles.

The project has also supported vocational training programmes and scholarships for Tanzanian students pursuing university and technical education, officials said.

“We call upon citizens and business people to seize the available opportunities, while we continue to closely supervise the project to ensure it is completed on schedule,” Luoga said.

Neema Kweka, a local content supervisor with EACOP, said the government inspection highlighted the project’s role in expanding economic opportunities for surrounding communities.

“We continue to implement contractual agreements with the government, particularly on local content,” she said.

At the Marine Tanks Terminal facility in Chongoleani, engineers said oil storage infrastructure was nearing completion.

Musa Msafiri, project engineer at the terminal, said construction of the storage tank section had reached 94% completion and testing was already under way.

“Two out of the four tanks have been completed and we have started testing them by filling them with water,” Msafiri said.

“The results show high strength and quality standards, allowing them to safely receive oil.”

The EACOP project has faced criticism from environmental and climate activists, who argue it threatens ecosystems, wildlife habitats and local communities across Uganda and Tanzania.

Project developers, however, say the pipeline is being implemented according to international environmental and safety standards.

EACOP shareholders include TotalEnergies with a 62% stake, the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation and the Uganda National Oil Company with 15% each, while China National Offshore Oil Corporation holds the remaining 8%.

The pipeline crosses eight regions in Tanzania, including Kagera, Geita, Shinyanga, Tabora, Singida, Dodoma, Manyara and Tanga, before reaching the Indian Ocean export terminal.

Notes to Editors

– The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) is a 1,443-kilometre heated crude oil pipeline linking Uganda’s Lake Albert oilfields to Tanzania’s Indian Ocean port of Tanga.

– The project is among the largest energy infrastructure developments currently underway in East Africa.

– Tanzanian officials said major sections of the pipeline and associated infrastructure have been completed, with the project entering its final construction stages.

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