The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project, set to become the world’s longest heated crude oil pipeline, has achieved a major construction milestone, 64.5% completion. Stretching an impressive 1,443 kilometers from Kabaale-Hoima in western Uganda to the Chongoleani Peninsula near Tanzania’s Tanga Port, the $5 billion project is designed to transform regional trade and energy markets.
According to project officials, the EACOP has already contributed approximately TSh50 billion (around $19.5 million) to Tanzania’s national revenue through taxes, levies, and development charges. The pipeline also directly employs about 1,200 Tanzanians, including 346 workers from local communities around Chongoleani, strengthening job creation and local economic growth.
Tanzania’s Energy Ministry spokesperson, Ms. Neema Mbuja, confirmed that the project is progressing in line with the bilateral agreement signed in 2021. Despite facing financing hurdles and environmental debates, the project is viewed as a strategic move to unlock energy resources, boost foreign direct investment, and enhance regional economic integration.
The pipeline uses advanced heating technology embedded with electrical filaments and fiber-optic cables to ensure the continuous flow of Uganda’s waxy crude oil, preventing it from solidifying during transit. Additionally, the fiber-optic system enables real-time monitoring and leak detection, addressing environmental safety concerns.
Alongside the export route, Uganda plans to establish a refinery in Hoima to supply refined oil for domestic consumption, while the rest of the crude will be shipped internationally through Tanzania’s Tanga Port. The EACOP is a joint venture involving TotalEnergies (62%), Uganda National Oil Company (15%), Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (15%), and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (8%).
As construction advances, the pipeline is a major symbol of East Africa’s ambition to redefine its energy landscape and drive sustainable economic transformation across the region.
