Prime Highlight
- Uganda and Tanzania plan to export crude oil through EACOP by October 2026, a major step for East Africa in global energy markets.
- The pipeline is expected to boost economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen regional energy trade.
Key Facts
- EACOP spans 1,443 km from Uganda’s oil fields to Tanzania’s Tanga port, with 75% of construction completed and $3.3 billion invested.
- It will transport up to 230,000 barrels per day, becoming the world’s longest heated crude oil pipeline.
Background
Uganda and Tanzania plan to export their first crude oil through the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) as early as October, marking a big step for East Africa to join global oil markets. The $5 billion project is expected to reshape regional energy trade and unlock long-delayed oil production in Uganda.
EACOP runs 1,443 kilometres from Uganda’s oil fields in the Albertine Graben to the Indian Ocean port of Tanga in Tanzania. Officials from both countries say the pipeline was about 75% complete by the end of December 2025, with all pipe sections already laid and more than $3.3 billion invested.
Uganda’s Petroleum Authority has described the pipeline as central to the country’s energy strategy. Chief executive Ernest Rubondo said EACOP will serve as the backbone of Uganda’s crude oil exports and support long-term economic growth.
Construction has now entered its final phase. Energy ministers from Uganda and Tanzania reviewed progress at a high-level meeting in Dar es Salaam on January 5. Officials confirmed that work on above-ground facilities and the marine export terminal in Tanga is advancing, with start-up readiness planned for July 31, 2026.
Once operational, EACOP will become the world’s longest heated crude oil pipeline. It will transport Uganda’s waxy crude at about 50 degrees Celsius and carry up to 230,000 barrels per day for export.
The project offers benefits beyond Uganda. Tanzania has already earned about 50 billion shillings in taxes and levies and created jobs for around 1,200 people, many from local communities.
Despite criticism from environmental groups, officials say developers have included emission controls and plan to power much of the pipeline using solar energy. Leaders argue that the project will create growth, jobs and stronger links between East African countries.
