Africa-Press – Tanzania. DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, today launched the Youth Economic Empowerment (YEE) program, targeting areas affected by the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project.
The program is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that communities near major development projects benefit directly from them.
Speaking during the official launch held in Bukombe Village, Bukombe District, Geita Region, on August 18, 2025, Dr. Biteko said the YEE initiative is one of the community development programs supported by EACOP during and after the pipeline construction phase, as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR).
He stated that the first phase of the program aims to reach over 12,261 youth, including 6,130 women, 4,905 men, and 1,226 individuals from special groups, across the regions of Geita, Kagera, Tabora, and Tanga.
“As we launch this project, we must thank President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda. Their commitment and patriotism have pushed this EACOP project forward, now at 65percent completion,” said Dr. Biteko.
Since its inception in 2022, the EACOP project has provided job opportunities for 9,194 Tanzanians, and in 2024 alone, the project trained 170 youth and employed them, with an additional 110 currently undergoing training and 238 youth sponsored in various Tanzanian institutions.
Dr. Biteko emphasized that communities in project-affected areas have a right to benefit but also a responsibility to protect the project infrastructure, considering the long-term positive impact it brings.
He also applauded EACOP and the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) for their effective management of the project. He stressed that programs like YEE allow citizens to see the tangible benefits of national projects and, as a result, become invested in their protection and success.
Furthermore, Dr. Biteko urged project-implementing companies to not only focus on skills development but also on providing capital to ensure long-term success for local beneficiaries. He also called on youth to seize the opportunities provided, work hard, and demonstrate integrity, assuring them that the government would continue to create platforms for their economic empowerment.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labor, Youth, and Employment), Patrobas Katambi, said the YEE program is a result of President Samia’s strategic vision to empower youth through employment and access to capital.
He highlighted that the government has already implemented several empowerment programs, including one that has disbursed over 3tri/-to about 24 million Tanzanians, particularly women, youth, and special groups, to support their economic development.
Geita Regional Commissioner, Martine Shigella, speaking on behalf of all EACOP-affected regions, said that the project has significantly benefited the people of Geita through direct and short-term jobs, as well as local value chains in areas such as food, fruit, and vegetable supply.
He also described the YEE program as a direct result of President Samia’s commitment to empowering youth through education and skills training.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Engineer Felchesmi Mramba, said the 1,443 km EACOP project is one of 17 key energy projects, including the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (2,115 MW), and other electricity and oil & gas initiatives like Ruhudji, Rumakali, Malagarasi, and Eyasi Wembere.
He noted that the government has contributed 1.12 tri/- as its share in the EACOP project and that over 200 Tanzanian companies are participating, with total payments expected to reach 1.325tri/-, reflecting the project’s economic impact.
Mramba also explained that the YEE launch took place in Bukombe due to the area’s strategic importance—it hosts the largest oil pumping station, a major EACOP construction camp, and 20 km of the pipeline passes through the district.
TPDC Managing Director, Mussa Makame, said TPDC and EACOP are working closely to ensure that community needs are identified and addressed through the CSR plan, including through collaboration with local government at village, ward, and council levels.
Clare Haule, EACOP’s Manager for Investment and Community Engagement, said the YEE program was established recognizing that over 65 percent of Tanzania’s population are youth under 35, many of whom, especially in rural areas, face challenges like unemployment, lack of vocational training, and limited access to startup capital.
She explained that in phase one, the YEE program will economically empower youth in Geita, Kagera, Tabora, and Tanga, and that phase two will cover Singida, Shinyanga, Dodoma, and Manyara. Youth will be trained in market-relevant skills, gain access to financial services, and receive support to overcome barriers to entrepreneurship and self-employment.
Haule emphasized that the YEE initiative is part of EACOP’s Sustainability Policy, under the “Future Generations” pillar, which focuses on capacity building for youth and enhancing access to economic opportunities in communities impacted by the project.
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