Young Tanzanians equipped for future energy sector jobs through EACOP programme

DAR ES SALAAM: THE East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Ltd, together with its joint venture and institutional partners, has marked a major milestone in Tanzania’s industrial skills development by graduating the first cohort of its Orbital Specialist Training Programme and simultaneously launching a second intake of trainees.

The event, held on Tuesday, saw 15 Tanzanian trainees receive internationally recognized certifications after successfully completing the intensive specialist training programme.

The graduates were drawn from both public and private technical institutions across the country, including the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA), Don Bosco Technical Institutes, Arusha Technical College (ATC), and the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT).

The programme concluded with a zero-accident safety record while achieving all technical objectives within the planned schedule. Independent assessments and certification were conducted by The Welding Federation (TWF), a globally respected organization operating in more than 54 countries. Graduates earned three credentials: a Certificate of Attendance, an International Official License from TWF, and a Diploma for Orbital Operator.

The initiative is expected to strengthen Tanzania’s technical workforce by reducing dependence on foreign specialists and addressing critical skills shortages in advanced welding technologies required for major infrastructure projects.

The training programme is sponsored by EACOP Ltd, Panyu Chu Kong Steel Pipe (Zhuhai) Co., Ltd. (PCK), and VETA, and implemented by SESDCORP Tanzania Limited in collaboration with the Central Metallurgical Research and Development Institute (CMRDI) and TWF.

The ceremony attracted senior government officials and industry stakeholders, including the Guest of Honor, Mr. Angalius Ngonyani, Director of Planning at VETA, representing the Director General, Mr. Anthony Kasore. Representatives from the Ministry of Energy, EWURA, and TPDC also attended, highlighting the national significance of the initiative.

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“To achieve sustainable industrial growth, Tanzania must prioritize long-term investment in highly specialized technical skills,” said Mr. Ngonyani. He noted that advanced technologies such as orbital welding will help position Tanzanian workers to compete effectively in global industries.

EACOP Tanzania General Manager, Mr Geofrey Mponda, congratulated the graduates, emphasizing the company’s commitment to local content development and skills transfer. EACOP Head of Local Content, Ms. Neema Kweka, described the program as a lasting legacy that extends beyond pipeline construction.

With Cohort Two already underway, a new group of trainees has begun an intensive 21-day training program. EACOP and its partners say they remain committed to developing local expertise, creating employment opportunities, and supporting Tanzania’s long-term industrial growth.

“This graduation marks a monumental leap forward for our shared local content milestones,” added Killian Ellias Nango, the Training Program Coordinator. “By equipping young Tanzanian technicians with automated, high-precision orbital welding skills—certified to international standards—we are ensuring that the workforce behind this historic project meets global engineering benchmarks. With Cohort Two already underway as of today, we are maintaining a rapid momentum to empower more local talent.”

With Cohort Two having already kicked off, the new group of trainees has officially entered an intense, fast-paced 21-day program. Under the same strict safety and quality guidelines, EACOP and its partners remain firmly committed to fostering sustainable industrial skills, creating high-value local employment, and ensuring the long-term success of the pipeline project.

The post Young Tanzanians equipped for future energy sector jobs through EACOP programme first appeared on Daily News.

The post Young Tanzanians equipped for future energy sector jobs through EACOP programme appeared first on Daily News.