More than 12,000 youth in four regions to benefit from EACOP project

Geita. More than 12,000 young people from Geita, Kagera, Tabora, and Tanga regions are set to benefit from an economic empowerment project being implemented along the route of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (Eacop).

The initiative is part of the oil company’s corporate social responsibility plan during and after the construction of the 1,443-kilometre pipeline, of which 1,147 kilometres pass through Tanzania and 296 kilometres through Uganda.

The project has so far reached 65 percent completion and is expected to be finalised by July 2026, with the Tanzanian government already contributing Sh1.125 trillion.

Speaking at the launch of the youth empowerment project in Bukombe District, Geita Region, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Mr Doto Biteko, said the pipeline project would help young people address challenges related to employment and income.

He noted that 200 Tanzanian companies have been contracted through the project, with the income generated circulating within local communities and benefiting small-scale food vendors, motorcycle taxi operators, and other entrepreneurs.

“Over 200 Tanzanian firms have been contracted, and the money circulating has uplifted ordinary citizens, including food vendors and boda boda operators,” said Mr Biteko.

Eacop’s acting director, Mr Godfrey Mponda, said that since 2024, the company has directly employed 170 youth, sponsored 110 in schools, and provided training for another 238 to equip them with skills for national development.

Eacop’s community investment and corporate social responsibility manager, Ms Clare Haule, said the company has so far implemented projects in water, roads, education, and health, in addition to the youth empowerment programme in the regions where the pipeline passes.

She noted that many youth face barriers such as unemployment, lack of vocational training, and limited access to capital. To address the challenges, the company has rolled out the first phase of its economic empowerment programme in four regions, with the remaining regions set to benefit in the second phase.

“This programme is designed to tackle those challenges by equipping young people with market-relevant skills, improving access to financial services, and removing barriers to entrepreneurship and self-employment,” said Ms Haule.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Employment, Youth, and People with Disabilities), Mr Patrobas Katambi, said the pipeline is among Tanzania’s strategic projects.

“This project has delivered significant benefits. While unemployment has been a major challenge, such strategic initiatives are helping to reduce the problem. The government has already developed policies and laws to support young people in accessing capital,” he said.