Tanzanian youth encouraged to explore opportunities in the energy sector

Dodoma. Young people across Tanzania have been urged to seize opportunities in the energy sector, a field that holds vast potential for job creation and self-employment.

Speaking during a conference themed “The Role of Youth in the Energy Sector and Its Transition in Africa”, held at the University of Dodoma (UDOM), the Director of Diplomacy and Economics at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mr John Ulanga, skilled youth play a critical role in driving economic transformation.

The event was organized by the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (Eacop) Project to inspire youth to actively participate in the energy industry.

Mr Ulanga said universities and technical colleges across Africa were offering courses in renewable energy, engineering and environmental preservation.

He urged young people to utilize these opportunities to enhance their skills and improve their employability.

“Renewable energy is a global priority, and by attending conferences, workshops, and training programs, youth can position themselves for employment or self-employment, contributing to national income and economic growth,” he said.

He also pointed to initiatives like the African Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI) and the African Development Bank’s Jobs for Youth in Africa program, which aim to empower young professionals to become leaders in the energy sector.

Eacop CEO Guillaume Dolout said the project has several efforts in equipping young people with practical skills.

“We have been offering energy-related training, both online and in-person, to university and technical college students in Tanzania and Uganda,” he said.

“Some of these graduates have been employed in the project, while others have received certifications that enable them to find jobs or start businesses in the sector anywhere in the world,” Dolout added.

The Eacop project, which will transport crude oil from Hoima, Uganda, to Chongoleani, Tanga, is seen as a catalyst for creating opportunities for local talent.

The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), which holds a 15 percent stake in the project, is also playing a key role in engaging youth.

TPDC Director of Planning and Investment, Mr Derick Moshi, noted that they are focused on raising awareness among students about the importance of energy and gas in the global economy.

“We are encouraging young people to focus on research and innovation, particularly in the context of advancing technology in the energy sector,” Moshi said.

Speaking on behalf of TotalEnergies, the majority stakeholder in Eacop with 62 percent ownership, Legal and Relations Director Mrs Getrude Mpangile said the project aims to leave a legacy of local experts in the energy sector.

“This is an opportunity for university and technical college students to engage with the sector and build the skills needed to sustain its growth after the project is completed,” she said.

One of the beneficiaries, Nicolaus Shukuru, an Electrical and Biomedical Engineering student at Arusha Technical College (ATC), said the training has provided him with essential skills for a career in the energy sector.

“These skills will help me create opportunities for myself and others, ensuring I can contribute to the sector and earn a livelihood,” Shukuru said.

The Eacop project, whose other stakeholders include the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) with a 15 percent stake and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) with 8 percent, is set to contribute significantly to youth empowerment and Tanzania's economic development.

By leveraging training and partnerships, the energy sector is poised to create new pathways for Tanzanian youth to succeed in a dynamic and transformative industry.