Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – Tanzania and Uganda are accelerating plans for major infrastructure projects as both countries prepare for the first exports of crude oil through a landmark regional pipeline, officials say.
The announcement came after Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni visited Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Dar es Salaam on February 7, 2026. The leaders held talks aimed at deepening cooperation on energy, transport, trade, and regional development.
First Oil Exports Expected This Year
One of the biggest outcomes of the meeting was an update on the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) — a 1,443-kilometre link from Uganda’s Lake Albert oilfields to the Indian Ocean port of Tanga. Construction has reached about 79% completion, with officials optimistic that crude oil transport will begin later this year, possibly by July 2026.
Once operational, the pipeline will be one of the world’s longest heated crude lines, designed to carry Ugandan waxy crude oil for export to international markets.
Strategic Infrastructure Beyond Oil
The leaders said oil exports are only part of a broader plan to boost regional infrastructure:
Transport corridors: Discussions included improving rail links and road networks to support trade and movement across borders.
Trade facilitation: Both presidents agreed to work on removing non-tariff barriers to make trade easier within East Africa.
Energy cooperation: Plans also covered new energy infrastructure, such as natural gas and petroleum pipelines to complement the oil corridor and enhance regional energy security.
Economic Opportunities and Regional Growth
Officials said the oil project and related infrastructure will create jobs and strengthen economic ties. Tanzania, as the host of the export terminal, stands to benefit from increased transit revenue and investment in its ports and logistics sectors.
President Samia described the cooperation as part of a long-term effort to deepen ties between the two nations and support economic growth across East Africa.
President Museveni said the projects reflect a shared vision for regional development, peace, and
prosperity.
