Mwinyi: EACOP to spur regional growth
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has said that implementation of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project between Tanzania and Uganda is a significant commitment by East African countries to strengthen their economies through the oil and gas sector.
Speaking during the closing of the 11th East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition (EAPCE’25) at the Julius Nyerere International Conference Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam, President Mwinyi underscored the role of petroleum resources in the energy mix for sustainable development.
He stressed the importance of creating favourable investment environments in the oil and gas sector and fostering technological innovation to drive economic growth.
“The EACOP project is one of the key efforts aimed at boosting the economies of East African countries through the crude oil sector,” said President Mwinyi.
“We need to see many more projects that cross our borders and enhance our economies through the gas and oil sector for the development of our nations.”
He also underscored the importance of technological development within the oil and gas industry, noting the rapid advancements occurring globally.
He commended the East African Community (EAC) for its efforts in creating favourable conditions to attract investment and praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan for advancing the economy and establishing a conducive environment for projects like EACOP.
“The implementation of the EACOP project is a clear indication of our commitment to achieving development through opportunities in the oil and gas sector,” he said.
“We see potential for many more projects and these initiatives are crucial for the progress of our nations.” President Mwinyi called for prioritising budget allocation for the development of the oil sector in East Africa, specifically to fund energyrelated projects.
He also emphasised that the EAC community should benefit from the oil and gas resources as outlined in the EAC’s 2050 development plan.
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“There is no better time than now to implement the plan for establishing an oil fund and fulfilling the commitment outlined in Article 114 of the community’s treaty,” he stated.
“This article encourages better cooperation in managing our resources for the common good.”
He also commended the efforts made by EAC countries to attract investment and solutions for the oil and gas sector, adding that these efforts will help expand oil and gas discoveries in the region, positioning East Africa as a key player on the international stage.
Senior Relations Officer at the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), Mr Francis Lupokela noted that the EACOP investment is a catalyst for development in both Tanzania and Uganda through the oil sector.
“The project has created job opportunities for many Tanzanians, especially in areas along the pipeline route, and as shareholders, we are pleased with the progress made so far,” he said.
Director of the Petroleum Department at the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA), Mr Gerald Maganga added that the EACOP project is being implemented according to international standards, which is essential for the development of the country.
The EACOP project, spanning 1,443 kilometres from Hoima in Uganda to Chongoleani Peninsula in Tanga, Tanzania, is a major regional development.
The partners in the EACOP pipeline project include TotalEnergies, which holds a 62 per cent stake, while the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) each hold 15 per cent and China’s CNOOC holds 8 per cent.
