Oil & Gas

The recent working visit of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to Tanzania to meet President Samia Suluhu Hassan marks more than routine diplomacy. It signals a new phase of cooperation and ambition for East Africa. Central to their discussions was the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), a project that has moved decisively from vision to reality and is scheduled to begin operations this July.

EACOP stands as a powerful symbol of regional prosperity and integration, demonstrating how joint investment in energy infrastructure can drive economic growth. For Uganda, the pipeline serves as the lifeline of its emerging oil industry, unlocking the potential of more than 6.5 billion barrels of crude reserves. For Tanzania, it positions the country as a strategic energy corridor, generating revenue through transit fees, taxes, and increased activity at the Tanga Port.

Beyond oil transport, the project has attracted over US$5 billion in foreign direct investment, supporting the development of roads, fibre-optic networks, and other critical infrastructure along the central corridor. Thousands of citizens in both countries have acquired specialised technical skills, while small and medium enterprises have been integrated into the supply chain, ensuring that economic benefits extend to local communities.

Most importantly, EACOP is reshaping regional cooperation within the East African Community, proving that integration is an economic and security necessity, not just a political ideal. As East Africa moves toward the pipeline’s commissioning, sustained attention to environmental standards and community programmes will be essential. If managed with the same discipline shown during construction, EACOP will not only transport oil, but also propel the region toward global competitiveness.