On the 20th of April 2026, the National Economic Empowerment Council (NEEC) commenced an official learning and monitoring visit to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project at the Marine Tanks & Terminal (MTT) in Chongoleani Tanga.
The delegation, of NEEC Board Members and Management team, was led by Board Chairperson Prof. Aurelia Kokuletage Ngirwa Kamuzora, alongside Acting Executive Secretary Gwakisa Bapala. The visit reflects a shared focus on advancing economic empowerment for Tanzanians through meaningful participation in national development initiatives.
During the tour, NEEC representatives are gained firsthand insight into the implementation of EACOP, a landmark regional infrastructure project designed to transport crude oil from Uganda to the Port of Tanga in Tanzania. The visit highlights EACOP’s role in driving socio-economic development through job creation, skills development, and increased participation of local businesses in the project’s supply chain.
A key area of focus was the assessment of employment opportunities generated by the project. The delegation reviewied both direct and indirect jobs created for Tanzanians, including short-term and long-term roles, as well as workplace conditions. In addition, the visit examined how EACOP is supporting technology and knowledge transfer by enabling Tanzanian professionals to work alongside international experts.
The delegation also assessed local content implementation, with particular attention to the participation of Tanzanian companies in procurement, logistics, construction, and other service areas. This aligns with EACOP’s commitment to maximizing national value creation and supporting the growth of local enterprises.
Engagement with host communities was another important component of the visit. NEEC members observed how communities along the pipeline route are involved in development initiatives and how they benefit from social investment programs. These include projects in education, healthcare, water access, and infrastructure, delivered as part of EACOP’s corporate social responsibility commitments.
The visit commenced at Chongoleani in the Tanga Region and concluded in Nzega District, Tabora Region.
This visit reflects the strong collaboration between EACOP and national institutions to ensure that the project delivers sustainable and inclusive benefits. Insights gathered will support continued improvement in project implementation and reinforce EACOP’s contribution to Tanzania’s long-term economic empowerment agenda.
