A Chinese company, Panyu Chu Kong Steel Pipe Co., Ltd. (PCK), in collaboration with the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), has trained 80 Tanzanian youth in a one-year vocational program, marking a significant step towards strengthening the local workforce and fostering economic growth. This initiative, launched in January 2025, is part of EACOP's local content strategy, aiming to develop a skilled workforce capable of supporting Tanzania's expanding industrial and infrastructure sectors.
The training program, delivered in partnership with Tanzania's Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA), covered eight technical fields, including welding and metal fabrication, plumbing and pipe fitting, electrical installation, plant operation, motor vehicle mechanics, masonry, painting, and electronics. Graduates, selected from communities near the pipeline route, received nationally recognized certifications, enhancing their employability and enabling them to contribute to community development.
Geofrey Mponda, acting general manager of EACOP's Tanzania branch, emphasized the project's commitment to long-term skill development, stating that investing in people is central to EACOP's mission. As of the statement's release, 1,250 km of line pipe had been successfully welded, and the overall project progress had reached 74 percent. PCK, the Chinese company contracted to supply approximately 1,542 km of line pipe, completed deliveries in 16 batches between 2023 and 2025, meeting all milestones without delays.
This initiative not only enhances the local workforce's technical skills but also contributes to the development of Tanzania's industrial and infrastructure sectors, aligning with EACOP's goal of fostering economic opportunities and strengthening the country's infrastructure.
