Amidst the global calls to increase the output capacity of international energy developments, Africa has emerged from the sea of possibilities as a major driver of growth across the market. The East African Crude Oil Pipeline reached 79% completion towards the end of last year and is now targeting full commissioning in July of this year. The remarkably accelerated timeframe of the project has come thanks to the support of the Tanzanian and Ugandan governments, according to the project developer.
Africa’s role in the global energy market is set to change this year
Africa has long been overshadowed by the more influential and profitable regions of the international energy market, such as the United States, for example. However, market uncertainty and volatility have forced the hand of Africa to develop a ground-breaking crude oil pipeline.
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline is set to drastically reshape the region’s ability to transport high volumes of crude across the region, connecting previously cut-off fields and processing refineries in an attempt to increase Africa’s output capacity of the essential energy resource.
Uganda and Tanzania are set to achieve a milestone in cross-border collaboration, as all expectations are that the EACOP will be completed by mid-July 2026, positioning Africa at the forefront of new oil developments across the international market.
The pipeline development received a visit recently on January 5 of this year, as the leaders of both Uganda and Tanzania paid a visit to the site development to assess the positive gains made in developing the pipeline. Once operational, the pipeline is set to drastically alter the future of the African energy market.
As with most African developments, the project is being developed by a consortium
As Africa unlocks a new year loaded with potential, it comes as no surprise that the East African Crude Oil Pipeline is being developed by a consortium of some of the largest energy companies in the world.
The $5 billion, 896-mile heated pipeline will be the longest of its kind anywhere in the world once completed and fully operational, marking it as a major driver of growth for the African energy market. especially as the project has reached the milestone of 79% completion in December of last year.
Being developed by a consortium of energy companies, including TotalEnergies, China National Offshore Oil Corporation, Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation, and the Uganda National Oil Company, the project is targeting a full-scale commissioning later this year.
The remarkable growth across the African energy market has repositioned the continent as a major player in the international energy market this year. With a new development in Botswana being revealed recently, the African energy market is set to reshape the global sector as new projects come online this year and further into the future.
“From the outset, citizens of both Tanzania and Uganda have benefited from the project through the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), improved housing, livelihood restoration programs, skills training, and employment opportunities. During our engagements, we met Project Affected Persons who shared how they have acquired new skills and gained employment as a result of the project,” – Hon. Dr. Canon Ruth Nankabirwa
Africa has unlocked a treasure trove of potential across the energy market this year
With the market in a constant state of evolution, the reality is that more nations and regions need to develop energy projects to increase energy security and become less dependent on imports of essential energy resources. Nigeria has announced its latest licensing round for 2026, potentially unlocking a treasure trove of new possibilities for growth across the region. With expectations that the EACOP is set to be completed on time and within budget, the future of the African energy market is looking good.
