80 Tanzanian youth trained for EACOP mission graduate

MOSHI: EIGHTY young people from communities along the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) have completed a one-year technical training program designed to equip participants with practical, market-relevant skills across eight vocational fields, including pipe fitting, masonry, painting, heavy machinery operation, electrical installation, motor vehicle mechanics, metal fabrication, and electrical engineering.

Vocation Education and Training Authority (VETA) in collaboration with Panyu Chu Kong Steel Pipe Co. (PCK), organized the training.

Their graduation ceremony was held at VETA Moshi and brought together trainees from VETA Kilindi, VETA Shinyanga, and VETA Moshi.

The event marked a significant milestone in efforts to invest in human capital development and enhance social benefits in communities affected by the EACOP project.

Speaking during the ceremony, EACOP Tanzania Acting General Manager, Geoffrey Mponda, noted that construction of the pipeline is progressing well, with 1,250 kilometers already welded and the project reaching 74 percent completion.

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“Investing in people is at the core of EACOP’s mission. Beyond building the pipeline, we are committed to delivering positive and sustainable social and economic impact through initiatives that empower communities,” Mponda said.

On her part, Neema Kweka, EACOP Tanzania’s Local Content Manager, stated that the training program demonstrates the strong partnership between the private sector and the government. She emphasized that the initiative aligns directly with Tanzania’s Local Content policies and national development priorities.

The training has provided graduates with certificates and practical skills that enhance their employability and prepare them to contribute to industrial growth and the national economy. The event highlighted renewed hope for the next generation of Tanzanian professionals in the infrastructure and energy sectors.

In fulfilling its contract obligations, PCK has also completed the manufacturing and delivery of coated steel pipes for the EACOP main pipeline, amounting to 260,000 tonnes of coated pipes, equivalent to approximately 1,542 kilometers. This accomplishment was achieved efficiently and is further complemented by human development initiatives such as the vocational training program.