Bukombe. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, has launched the Youth Economic Empowerment (YEE) programme, targeting communities along the route of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), as part of ongoing government efforts to ensure local populations benefit from major infrastructure projects.
Speaking at Bukombe Village in Bukombe District, Geita Region, on August 18 Dr Biteko said the initiative is part of EACOP’s corporate responsibility framework during both construction and post-construction phases.
“The YEE programme is expected to reach more than 12,261 young people, including 6,130 women, 4,905 men, and 1,226 individuals from special groups, during its first phase covering Geita, Kagera, Tabora, and Tanga regions,” Dr Biteko said.
He acknowledged the support of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in facilitating the progress of EACOP, which has now achieved 65 per cent completion.
Since the project began in 2022, a total of 9,194 Tanzanians have secured employment opportunities, while in 2024, 170 youths received specialised training and jobs within the project.
An additional 110 are pursuing studies and are expected to join the programme, alongside 238 young people supported through educational sponsorships across the country.
Dr Biteko emphasised that communities along the project route have both the right to benefit and the responsibility to safeguard the infrastructure, noting that programmes like YEE encourage local ownership and pride in the pipeline.
He commended EACOP and the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) for efficiently managing the project and urged implementing companies to not only build skills but also provide capital to help communities prosper.
He also encouraged young people to seize available opportunities with integrity, stressing that the government will continue creating avenues for economic advancement.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office [Youth, Employment and Labour], Mr Patrobas Katambi, said the YEE initiative exemplifies the government’s strategic efforts to provide jobs and financial support to young people across regions.
More than Sh3 trillion has been disbursed through previous empowerment programmes, benefiting about 24 million Tanzanians, including women, youths, and special groups.
Geita Regional Commissioner, Martine Shigella, said the EACOP project has already generated direct and short-term employment, as well as business opportunities along the value chain for local farmers and traders.
She described YEE as a continuation of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision to equip young people with skills and education.
TPDC chief executive officer, Mussa Makame, added that the corporation continues to collaborate with EACOP to ensure community needs are considered through corporate social responsibility initiatives.
The project’s community priorities were identified in consultation with local governments at village, ward, and district levels.
EACOP Investment and CSR Manager, Clare Haule, highlighted that over 65 per cent of Tanzania’s population is under 35.
However, rural youth face challenges including unemployment, lack of vocational training, and limited access to capital.
She said the first phase of YEE will empower youths in Geita, Kagera, Tabora, and Tanga, while subsequent phases will cover Singida, Shinyanga, Dodoma, and Manyara, providing skills aligned with market demands, access to financial services, and support for entrepreneurship.
The YEE initiative forms part of EACOP’s Sustainability Policy under the “Next Generations” pillar, aimed at building youth capacity and increasing economic opportunities for communities affected by the project.
