EACOP and TotalEnergies Highlight Youth’s Role in Tanzania’s Energy Future
More than 200 students, industry professionals, policymakers and development stakeholders gathered in Arusha on 30 May for the fourth Youth in the Energy Sector Students’ Conference, an event focused on strengthening youth participation in Tanzania’s growing energy industry.
Organised by EACOP and TotalEnergies in partnership with Ubuntu Impact Limited, the conference was held under the theme “From Resource to Prosperity: How Tanzania Turns Energy into Development.” The event explored how the country can leverage its energy resources to support economic growth, job creation and long-term national development.
Students from Arusha Technical University, the Institute of Accountancy Arusha, and the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology joined representatives from government institutions and the private sector for discussions on emerging opportunities across the energy value chain in Tanzania.
A central theme of the conference was the importance of converting natural resource wealth into sustainable economic benefits. Delivering the keynote address, Kenneth Mutaonga emphasised the role of young people in driving Africa’s development agenda and encouraged students to view the energy sector as a platform for innovation, entrepreneurship and career growth.
He highlighted the expanding range of opportunities available across energy value chains, including technical, commercial and business-related roles, and urged young professionals to develop the skills needed to compete in an evolving industry.
Panel discussions examined the economic impact of large-scale energy investments and their ability to create employment, strengthen local businesses and stimulate broader economic activity. Participants also explored issues including financial literacy, entrepreneurship and access to capital, with speakers encouraging young Tanzanians to pursue opportunities beyond traditional employment.
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) was highlighted as an example of a major infrastructure project capable of generating wider economic benefits through local procurement, skills development and enterprise growth.
Human capital development emerged as a key focus throughout the event. Speakers stressed that while Africa possesses significant natural resources, long-term success will depend on building the technical expertise, institutional capacity and skilled workforce required to support sustainable growth.
The conference also featured a career exhibition hosted by EACOP Tanzania and TotalEnergies Marketing Tanzania, providing students with direct opportunities to engage with industry representatives and gain insights into graduate and trainee programmes.
As Tanzania advances major energy projects, stakeholders increasingly recognise that developing local talent will be critical to maximising the long-term value of energy investments and supporting the country’s broader economic ambitions.
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