On August 18, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Hon. Dr. Doto Biteko officially launched the Youth Economic Empowerment (YEE) Program aimed at transforming the livelihoods of youth in areas affected by the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project. Speaking during the launch event held in Bukombe village, Geita Region, Dr. Biteko stated that the program is part of EACOP’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and is designed to support local communities during and after the construction of the pipeline. The first phase of the initiative targets over 12,261 youth beneficiaries, including 6,130 women, 4,905 men, and 1,226 individuals from special groups across Geita, Kagera, Tabora, and Tanga regions. “As we launch this program, we must express our gratitude to H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, and H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda. Their commitment and patriotism have ensured the EACOP project progresses efficiently and has now reached 65% completion,” said Dr. Biteko. Since the commencement of the EACOP project in 2022, a total of 9,194 Tanzanians have been employed, creating substantial income opportunities. In 2024 alone, the company provided specialized training to 170 youth who were later absorbed into the project, while an additional 110 are currently undergoing training. Furthermore, 238 youth have received scholarships to various institutions across the country. Dr. Biteko emphasized that communities along the project corridor have a right to benefit but also a responsibility to protect the infrastructure and take ownership, as the project contributes significantly to their socio-economic transformation. He applauded EACOP and the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) for effectively managing the project. “For communities to truly feel a part of the project, they must experience tangible benefits. Programs like YEE ignite a sense of pride and commitment to safeguard EACOP infrastructure,” he added. Dr. Biteko also urged project-implementing companies to go beyond skills training and offer capital support to help youth succeed economically. He called on the youth to seize available opportunities, remain dedicated, and act with integrity, assuring them of the government's continued efforts to create an enabling environment for youth economic advancement. Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth and Employment), Hon. Patrobas Katambi, reaffirmed the government's strategic plans under President Samia to ensure youth access employment and capital. He cited the YEE initiative as a practical outcome of these efforts. He noted that over TZS 3 trillion has already been disbursed to support economic empowerment programs benefiting nearly 24 million Tanzanians, including women, youth, and special groups. Geita Regional Commissioner, Martine Shigella, speaking on behalf of regional leaders along the EACOP route, highlighted the socio-economic benefits already experienced by residents, including direct and temporary employment and enhanced local value chains through food and produce trade. He praised the YEE initiative as an extension of the government’s commitment to equipping youth with education and vocational skills to enhance their self-reliance and contribution to national development. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, Eng. Felchesmi Mramba, elaborated on the scope of the EACOP project, a 1,443 km pipeline, noting it as one of 17 major energy projects under implementation, including the now-completed Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (2,115 MW), and other energy initiatives such as Ruhudji, Rumakali, and Malagarasi, as well as oil and gas exploration projects including Eyasi Wembere. Mramba added that the Tanzanian government has invested TZS 1.12 trillion in the EACOP project as part of its equity contribution, with over 200 local companies participating in the project and expected to receive payments totaling TZS 1.325 trillion. He explained the rationale for launching the YEE program in Bukombe, stating that the district hosts the largest oil pumping station in Tanzania, a major EACOP camp, and a 20 km stretch of the pipeline. TPDC Managing Director, Mussa Makame, reiterated TPDC’s commitment to working with EACOP to ensure that community needs are identified and addressed through CSR programs. He said the YEE project was developed in collaboration with local government authorities at the village, ward, and district levels along the pipeline route. Clare Haule, EACOP’s Investment and CSR Manager, stated that the YEE initiative recognizes that over 65% of Tanzania’s population comprises youth under the age of 35. Many of these young people, particularly in rural areas, face challenges such as unemployment, lack of vocational training, and limited access to startup capital. She explained that the first phase of the YEE program will economically empower youth in Geita, Kagera, Tabora, and Tanga regions, while the second phase will extend to Singida, Shinyanga, Dodoma, and Manyara. The program focuses on equipping youth with market-driven skills, improving financial inclusion, and removing barriers to entrepreneurship and self-employment. Haule added that YEE is part of EACOP’s Sustainability Policy under the "Future Generations" pillar, which aims to build youth capacity and expand access to economic opportunities within communities impacted by the project.