EACOP and WASCO ISOAF award 124 new scholarships to Tanzanian youth in landmark local content boost
What you need to know:
- The awarding ceremony held in Tabora was attended by senior government officials, community leaders, and representatives from regulatory and training bodies including the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA), Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), and the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA).
Tabora. In a major boost to local capacity building, East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Ltd and WASCO ISOAF have awarded 124 full scholarships to Tanzanian youth through the EACOP and WASCO ISOAF Scholarship Programme, further strengthening the country’s energy sector through education.
The awarding ceremony held in Tabora was attended by senior government officials, community leaders, and representatives from regulatory and training bodies including the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA), Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), and the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA).
Project Director of WASCO ISOAF, Gary Deason, said the scholarships represented more than just financial aid.
“Today, we are investing in the future, not just giving scholarships. This initiative will build stronger families, enhance lives, and create groundwork for future national development,” he remarked.
With the latest additions, the scholarship tally now stands at 216 beneficiaries, forming part of a broader local content strategy aimed at developing skilled Tanzanian professionals for the oil and gas industry. The programme also includes strategic partnerships with institutions such as the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Arusha Technical College, and VETA.
Principal of VETA Tabora, Dr Zebedayo Kyomo, expressed appreciation for the support extended to technical education in the country.
“We are honoured to support such a meaningful programme and are committed to delivering high-quality training to these scholars,” said Dr Kyomo.
In a show of EACOP’s commitment to broader local empowerment, more than 71 Tanzanians have already benefitted from hands-on training in countries such as China, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and France. Additionally, over 250 local instructors have been trained under the “Train-the-Trainer” initiative to enhance the quality of vocational education nationwide.
Human Resources Director at EACOP, Geofrey Mponda, described the scholarships as a long-term investment.
“This is a long-term investment for the youth who will become Tanzania’s future engineers and innovators,” he said.
Local Content Manager at EACOP, Neema Kweka, reinforced the company’s people-centric vision.
“EACOP’s journey reflects a commitment to people, performance, and prosperity. We are building a legacy, not just a pipeline,” she said.
Nzega District Commissioner, who officiated the ceremony, hailed the initiative as a key milestone in youth empowerment and inclusive development.
“This scholarship programme is a powerful example of public-private cooperation. It gives young Tanzanians the tools to shape their future and contribute meaningfully to national development,” the Commissioner said.
Beyond scholarships and training, EACOP’s Industrial Enhancement Centre has equipped over 100 Tanzanian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with vital knowledge on pipeline technology and safety standards, increasing their participation in the energy sector.
So far, the EACOP project has employed 6,763 locals and logged over 24 million manhours—of which more than 347,000 hours were dedicated to training Tanzanian workers, underscoring the project’s far-reaching impact.
About the EACOP project
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline is a 1,443-kilometre export infrastructure project that will transport Uganda’s crude oil from Kabaale in Hoima District to the Chongoleani peninsula near Tanga for export to international markets. The pipeline includes six pumping stations, two pressure reduction stations, and a marine export terminal.
EACOP Ltd, formed after the Final Investment Decision on February 1, 2022, is a special purpose company governed by a Shareholders Agreement between TotalEnergies (62%), Uganda National Oil Company (15%), Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (15%), and CNOOC (8%).
As Tanzania charts its path towards becoming a regional energy hub, the EACOP and WASCO ISOAF Scholarship Programme is laying the foundation by investing in the next generation of engineers, technicians, and innovators.
