Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Hon. Dr. Doto Biteko today launched a youth economic empowerment program (YEE) that touches the areas under the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project as an ongoing effort by the Government to ensure that communities close to projects benefit from the projects.
Launching the project in Bukombe Village, Bukombe District, Geita Region on August 18, 2025, Dr. Biteko said the economic empowerment project is one of the projects designed by EACOP for the construction period and after construction as part of the company’s responsibility for the community.
He said the project is planned to reach more than 12,261 young people of which women are 6,130; 4,905 men and special groups are 1,226 in the first phase involving the regions of Geita, Kagera, Tabora and Tanga.
“When we launch this project we must thank Mr. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania and Mr. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda.
Our leaders in their sincere intention and patriotism have developed and fully managed this EACOP project, which has reached 65 percent, we have reached here because of their motivation to implement this project ”, said Dr. Biteko
He said since the start of the EACOP project in 2022 to date, a total of 9,194 Tanzanians have had the opportunity to work within the project and thus have the opportunity for them to earn a living.
He said in 2024 the company provided specialized training to 170 young people and provided them with a job, 110 other young people are in education and are also expected to be included in the project as well as providing funding for 238 young people in various colleges in the country.
He said citizens who have been reviewed by projects have the right to benefit from projects but have a responsibility to protect the project infrastructure and make it part of them as it also contributes to changing the lives of citizens.
Also, Dr. Biteko congratulated the EACOP Company and the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) for effectively managing the project while emphasizing that, in order for the public to see the project, they must see its benefits so projects such as Yee give the public leave to protect EACOP infrastructure with great envy.
At another stage, Dr. Biteko has emphasized that various projects implementing projects to ensure that they do not focus on increasing the skills of the public but giving them capital so that they can do better.
He advised young people to take advantage of the opportunities that occur in projects, to be honest, to be honest when they have the opportunity and to explain that the Government will continue to create opportunities for them to economically and to bring about development in the country.
Deputy Prime Minister’s Office (Labor, Youth and Employment), Mr. Patrobas Katambi said President, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan has developed strategies to ensure young people are given employment and capital opportunities in various areas where the YEE program is a reflection of the results of the plans.
He said there have been various programs including economic empowerment where through the program more than three trillion shillings were donated to approximately 24 million Tanzanians including women, youth and special groups to enable them to get rid of the economy.
Geita Regional Commissioner, Mr. Martine Shigella speaking on behalf of the heads of regions under the EACOP project said that the EACOP project is one of the major projects that Geita citizens have benefited in various ways including direct and short and short -term jobs as well as the value chain through the food, vegetables, fruits etc.
He said the Economic Empowerment Program is the fruit of the President, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan who has continued to ensure young people have access to education and skills so Yee’s program adds to the leaven of education and knowledge of citizens including young people.
The Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Engineer Felchesmi Mramba said the implementation of the 1443 -km EACOP project is one of the 17 projects implemented by the Ministry of Energy including the Julius Nyerere (2,115) project completed, Ruhudji, Rumakali and Malagarasi projects as well
In the EACOP project he said the government has contributed 1.12 trillion shillings which is Tanzania’s shares and there are 200 Tanzanian companies that are working on various projects that will be paid a total of 1.325 trillion shillings as one of the fruits of the project in the country.
Explaining the reasons for the launch of Yee Wiiayani Bukombe project said that Bukombe has the largest oil pumping station from Uganda to Chongolaani Tanga, there is a large EACOP project camp and also 20 kilometers of oil pipeline pass through the area
