The Tanzanian government has officially clarified its pivotal role in the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project, stating that its primary focus is to facilitate the transportation of crude oil from Uganda to various international markets. According to Deputy Minister for Energy, Salome Makamba, Tanzania will function as a crucial transit nation within this large-scale energy initiative. The pipeline is designed to move crude oil extracted from Kabaale in Hoima, Uganda, across Tanzania to the port of Chongoleani in Tanga, from where it will be exported globally.

Addressing a query raised by Bahi Member of Parliament, Kenneth Nollo, in Parliament in Dodoma, Makamba elaborated on the existing framework of the project. She confirmed that definitive oil sales agreements have already been established and signed between upstream stakeholders in Uganda. These key stakeholders include the Government of Uganda, in collaboration with prominent international oil companies such as TotalEnergies of France and CNOOC of China.

The Deputy Minister further explained that these agreements are meticulously structured around specific technical design parameters and the production capacity of the oil wells involved. Moreover, the comprehensive agreements also incorporate international buyers, signifying that the entire oil business value chain—encompassing everything from initial production to final market distribution—has been thoroughly planned and formalized. Makamba underscored that these intricate arrangements are fundamental, laying the necessary groundwork for the imminent commencement of crude oil transportation via the pipeline once its construction is successfully completed. This strategic positioning solidifies Tanzania's role as an indispensable logistics hub within the broader East African energy corridor.