EACOP, TotalEnergies empower 200 students to explore energy sector opportunities

ARUSHA: THE East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Project, in collaboration with its major shareholder, TotalEnergies, has continued to empower young people through conferences, seminars and training programmes aimed at helping them identify and seize opportunities in the energy sector.

Speaking at the opening of the Fourth University Students Conference in Arusha over the weekend, EACOP Director of Operations, Paul Hiegel, said the event was designed to highlight the role of young people in the development of the energy sector while equipping them with knowledge about opportunities arising from major investments in Tanzania’s oil and gas industry.

“We recognise that young people are the workforce of today and tomorrow. Through this conference, we aim to encourage them to seize opportunities within the energy sector and prepare themselves to be part of the significant developments taking place in the country,” Mr Hiegel said.

He noted that the EACOP project has reached a critical stage of development, transitioning from construction towards operations, which are expected to commence in the near future.

“The project has successfully engaged many Tanzanians in various employment and leadership positions, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring that citizens directly benefit from this investment,” he added.

Mr Hiegel said the project’s success should not be measured solely by the infrastructure being built, but also by the legacy of knowledge, skills and opportunities it leaves for communities and the nation.

TotalEnergies VicePresident for Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy, Marieme-Sav Sow, said the conference provided students with a unique opportunity to learn directly from experts and senior leaders involved in implementing strategic energy projects.

“Beyond gaining knowledge, students have had the opportunity to build professional networks by interacting with senior executives involved in large-scale projects, something that is often difficult for many young people to access,” Ms Sow said.

She added that young people have enormous potential to become professionals, innovators and entrepreneurs in the energy sector, making it important to provide them with accurate information and education to support informed career choices.

Ms Sow said the conference brought together more than 200 students from various institutions, including Arusha Technical College (ATC), the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) and the Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA).

Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) Director of Planning and Investment, Derick Moshi, said the conference had broadened students’ understanding of industry expectations and project requirements across the oil and gas value chain, from construction to operations.

“Events like this play a significant role in preparing students for the world of work after graduation. They provide opportunities to learn about the oil and gas industry and how they can participate in the sector’s value chain,” Mr Moshi said.

Arusha Technical College Director of Studies, Dr Nicodemus Mbwambo, described the conference as an important platform that brings together stakeholders from the energy sector, higher learning institutions and students to discuss opportunities and ongoing developments in the industry.

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“We highly value this partnership, which enables students to acquire the knowledge, skills and practical experience needed in today’s job market. Our goal is to see our graduates enter the workforce fully prepared to take advantage of opportunities arising from strategic projects such as EACOP and the broader energy sector,” Dr Mbwambo said.

Some students who attended the conference said it had provided valuable insights into opportunities within the energy sector and would help them better plan their academic and professional careers.

The conference forms part of broader efforts by EACOP and TotalEnergies, in partnership with Ubuntu Impact Limited, to invest in human capital development by equipping young people with the knowledge and skills needed to benefit from the growth of Tanzania’s energy sector.

EACOP is owned by TotalEnergies with a 62 per cent stake. The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) each hold 15 per cent, while the remaining 8 per cent is owned by the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC).