The Rural Energy Agency (REA) and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) have officially entered into a strategic partnership aimed at bringing electricity to sub-villages and communities situated along the pipeline’s path within Tanzania.
This collaborative agreement, set to be implemented over a five-year period, was formalised on January 23, 2026, in Dar es Salaam.
The memorandum of understanding was signed by the Director General of REA, Mr Hassan Saidy, and the Managing Director of EACOP, Guillaume Dulout.
Following the signing ceremony, Mr Saidy emphasized that the agreement ensures communities residing on the periphery of the pipeline project, stretching from the Kagera Region to the Tanga Region, will directly benefit from the infrastructure by receiving reliable power supplie.
He noted that the initiative is designed to bolster essential social services, including schools, health centres, and water projects, while simultaneously stimulating economic productivity and local trade in rural areas.
Mr Dulout expressed that the execution of this electrification project represents a continuation of EACOP’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of those impacted by the pipeline’s construction.
By integrating energy access into the project’s footprint, the partnership seeks to leave a lasting positive legacy for the residents of the regions involved.
In Tanzania, the pipeline traverses 8 regions, 27 district councils, and 231 villages.
This vast reach means the project touches the lives of a significant number of rural inhabitants.
The implementation of this agreement between REA and EACOP marks a critical milestone in ensuring that the presence of the oil pipeline translates into immediate, tangible benefits through the provision of electricity for thousands of Tanzanian citizens.
