The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) has reached 92.7 percent completion, with crude oil filling expected to begin in December 2026. This marks a significant step towards commissioning the $5 billion pipeline, which will transport crude oil from Uganda's oilfields to the Chongoleani Marine Terminal in Tanga for export. The 1,443-kilometre pipeline has an operational lifespan of 25 years and is expected to generate substantial revenue for Tanzania.
Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) Managing Director Mussa Makame announced that line filling would begin in December 2026, ahead of the first crude oil export vessel departing in February or early March 2027. The original timelines had been adjusted due to delays in the shipment of specialised equipment and spare parts linked to disruptions caused by conflict in the Middle East. Makame made the announcement in Dodoma, where he addressed journalists.
The EACOP project has created about 7,500 jobs for Tanzanians and generated around Sh100 billion in taxes and other government revenues. Community projects linked to EACOP, including water and road infrastructure in areas such as Kahama and Osojo, are also underway and are expected to continue during the operational phase. These projects aim to improve the living standards of local communities and provide long-term benefits.
Once line filling begins, crude oil will move through the pipeline to Tanga, where it will be stored before being loaded onto export vessels. The pipeline will play a crucial role in Tanzania's economy, providing a new source of revenue and boosting economic growth. The project has been years in the making, with multiple stakeholders involved in its development and implementation.
TPDC recorded a net profit of about Sh73 billion during the financial year and paid Sh50 billion in taxes to the Government. The corporation also remitted Sh142 billion through government revenue shares and royalties from natural gas sales and paid a Sh15 billion dividend, bringing total remittances to the Government to Sh207 billion. These figures demonstrate TPDC's significant contribution to Tanzania's economy.
The successful completion of the EACOP project is expected to have a positive impact on Tanzania's economy and the region as a whole. The project has already created jobs and generated revenue, and it is expected to continue doing so for the next 25 years. As the project nears completion, stakeholders are eagerly awaiting the start of crude oil shipments.
Key stakeholders are working together to ensure the successful operation of the pipeline. With crude oil filling set to begin in December 2026 and the first export vessel departing in February 2027, Tanzania is poised to become a major player in the global oil market. The EACOP project is a significant milestone in the country's economic development.
Key points
- The EACOP project has reached 92.7 percent completion and is expected to generate substantial revenue for Tanzania.
- The project has created about 7,500 jobs for Tanzanians and generated around Sh100 billion in taxes and other government revenues.
- Crude oil filling is set to begin in December 2026, with the first export vessel departing in February or early March 2027.
