EAST Africa needs to see more cross-border projects that enhance regional cooperation and strengthen our economies, Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi has declared.

Wrapping up the 11th East African petroleum conference and exhibition (EAPCE’25) in Dar es Salaam over the weekend, he hailed the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project as a significant step toward strengthening economic ties between Tanzania and Uganda in the oil and gas sub-sector.

Underscoring the importance of creating favourable investment conditions and adopting technological innovations to drive growth in the oil and gas industry, he said that the EACOP project reflects a strong commitment by East African countries to leverage oil and gas for economic growth. 

The EACOP project is an initiative aimed at boosting the region's economy by crude oil transportation, he said, stressing that technological advancement will be crucial in maximising the benefits of the project and improving efficiency in the oil and gas industry.

"Technological development is essential as the world rapidly advances in innovation. We must ensure that our oil and gas sector keeps pace with these changes to remain competitive," he stated, hailing the East African Community (EAC) for its efforts in attracting investment and fostering a business-friendly environment. 

He also praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan for creating a conducive environment for large-scale projects like EACOP, as implementation of major projects like EACOP testify to Tanzania’s commitment to unlocking economic opportunities in the oil and gas sector.

He similarly called for strategic budget allocation to support energy projects in the region, pointing at the importance of implementing the EAC Vision 2050 which partially focuses on sustainable exploitation of oil and gas resources.

"There is no better time than now to establish an oil fund and fulfil the commitment outlined in Article 114 of the EAC Treaty of Cooperation,” he said, noting that the provision encourages cooperation in managing our shared resources for the benefit of all member states.

EAC partner states need to work together to maximize the benefits of regional oil and gas resources, positioning East Africa as a significant player in the global energy market, he said, affirming that strengthening regional cooperation, “we can enhance oil and gas exploration and secure a stronger position on the international stage/" 

Francis Lupokela, public relations officer for the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) said the EACOP project is a catalyst for economic growth in the two countries, creating job opportunities and opening up business prospects for those living along the pipeline route.

Gerald Maganga, director of petroleum department at the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA), assured the gathering that the EACOP project is being executed in line with international standards, ensuring safety and long-term benefits.

"Adhering to international standards is crucial for the project's success and for gaining investor confidence," he said, noting that the project involves the construction of a 1,443-kilometer pipeline from Hoima in Uganda to the Chongoleani Peninsula on the outer reaches of Tanga port.

It is expected to transport 216,000 barrels of crude oil per day upon completion, grouping a consortium of partners, namely TotalEnergies holding 62 percent of shares, TPDC with 15 percent stock, Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) also at 15 percent and the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) at 8.0 percent.

Building the pipeline and operating it is projected to generate thousands of jobs, enhance local infrastructure and create new business opportunities along the pipeline corridor, he added.