DR. BITEKO LAUNCHES PROJECT TO EMPOWER YOUTH ECONOMICALLY IN AREAS ALONG THE CRUDE OIL PIPELINE (EACOP)

📌 Focuses on enhancing youth skills, improving access to financial services, and removing barriers to entrepreneurship and self-employment

📌 Calls for skills development to go hand in hand with capital provision

📌 Urges youth to seize opportunities and remain trustworthy when given chances

📌 A total of 6,130 women, 4,905 men, and 1,226 individuals from special groups to benefit

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Hon. Dr. Doto Biteko, today launched the Youth Economic Empowerment Program (YEE), targeting areas covered by the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project. The initiative is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that communities living near major projects also benefit from them.

Speaking at the launch in Bukombe Village, Bukombe District, Geita Region, on August 18, 2025, Dr. Biteko said the program is one of several community initiatives funded by EACOP during and after the construction phase, as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility.

He explained that the project will reach more than 12,261 young people, including 6,130 women, 4,905 men, and 1,226 individuals from special groups in its first phase, which covers the regions of Geita, Kagera, Tabora, and Tanga.

“As we launch this project, we must sincerely thank Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, and His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda. Their commitment and patriotism have ensured the successful progress of the EACOP project, which has now reached 65% completion. We are here today because of their strong leadership,” said Dr. Biteko.

He further noted that since the EACOP project began in 2022, a total of 9,194 Tanzanians have been employed, gaining valuable income. In 2024, 170 youths received specialized training and job opportunities in the project, while another 110 are still in training and expected to join later. Additionally, 238 students have received scholarships in various colleges across the country.

Dr. Biteko emphasized that while communities have the right to benefit from major projects, they also have a duty to protect the infrastructure, since it directly contributes to improving livelihoods.

He commended EACOP and the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) for effectively managing the project and stressed that beyond providing skills, companies must also provide capital to ensure communities succeed.

He encouraged young people to embrace opportunities, work hard, and remain honest when trusted with responsibilities, assuring that the government will continue to create more opportunities for them to prosper and drive national development.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment), Hon. Patrobas Katambi, noted that President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan has established strategic plans to ensure that young people access jobs and capital. The YEE program is a clear example of these efforts.

He added that through other economic empowerment programs, more than TZS 3 trillion has already been disbursed to over 24 million Tanzanians—including women, youth, and special groups—aimed at boosting self-reliance and economic growth.

Geita Regional Commissioner, Martine Shigella, speaking on behalf of all regional commissioners along the EACOP route, said the project has significantly benefited Geita residents through both direct and short-term employment, as well as value-chain opportunities such as food and produce supply.

He said the youth empowerment initiative is a direct result of President Samia’s commitment to expanding education and skills training for young people.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Eng. Felchesmi Mramba, stated that the 1,443 km-long EACOP is among 17 energy projects under implementation by the ministry, including the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (2,115 MW), which is already completed, as well as Ruhudji, Rumakali, Malagarasi, and other oil and gas exploration projects such as Eyasi Wembere.

He explained that Tanzania has invested TZS 1.12 trillion as its shareholding in EACOP, and over 200 Tanzanian companies are currently involved in project implementation, expected to receive TZS 1.325 trillion in payments—clear evidence of the project’s benefits to the country.

On the choice of Bukombe for the YEE launch, Mr. Mramba said the area hosts the largest pumping station for oil transported from Uganda to Chongoleani, Tanga. Bukombe also has one of the main EACOP camps, and 20 km of the pipeline passes through the district.

TPDC Managing Director, Mussa Makame, said TPDC continues to work closely with EACOP to ensure community needs are incorporated in all corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs. He noted that the YEE program was designed in consultation with local government authorities at village, ward, and district levels.

Earlier, Clare Haule, EACOP’s Manager for Investment and CSR, explained that YEE was established recognizing that more than 65% of Tanzania’s population is under 35 years old. However, many young people, especially in rural areas, face challenges such as unemployment, lack of vocational training, and limited access to startup capital.

She added that the first phase of YEE will benefit youth in Geita, Kagera, Tabora, and Tanga, while the second phase will cover Singida, Shinyanga, Dodoma, and Manyara. The program will equip youth with market-relevant skills, improve access to financial services, and eliminate barriers to entrepreneurship and self-employment.

Ms. Haule concluded that YEE is part of EACOP’s Sustainability Policy, under the “Future Generations” pillar, which focuses on building youth capacity and expanding economic opportunities in communities along the pipeline corridor.