Latest news with #EACOP
The Citizen
7 hours ago
- Business
- The Citizen
VIDEO/PICTURES: Environmental activists march to kick polluters out of Africa
Environmental activists marched on Tuesday against the actions of Total Energies in Africa. The protesters marched between Standard Bank and Total Energies claiming the French energy giant is involved in land grabs, displacement of local populations, and ecological devastation surrounding its energy involvement in Africa, including the East African Crude Oil Pipeline Project (EACOP). Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen PICTURES: Strongman challenge at Randridge Mall
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
24 hours in pictures, 19 August 2025
24 hours in pictures, 19 August 2025 Through the lens: The Citizen's Picture Editors select the best news photographs from South Africa and around the world. Firefighters fight with the forest fire at Malhada do Rei, Pampilhosa da Serra, Portugal, 18 August 2025. Forest fires have burned in Portugal 185.753 hectares to date, causing two deaths, including a firefighter, and several injuries, most of them minor, and completely or partially destroyed primary and secondary residences, as well as farms, livestock operations, and forest areas. Picture: EPA/PAULO NOVAIS Humboldt penguins are weighed during a photo call for the annual weigh-in at London Zoo in London, Britain, 19 August 2025. Animals at the London Zoo are measured and weighed annually to check on their health and well-being. Picture: EPA/NEIL HALL Environmental protesters demonstrate, 19 August 2025, outside the head offices of Standard Bank in Rosebank as they protest against the actions of Total Energies in Africa. The protesters marched between Standard Bank and Total Energies claiming the French energy giant is involved in land grabs, displacement of local populations, and ecological devastation surrounding its energy involvement in Africa, including the East African Crude Oil Pipeline Project (EACOP). Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen A scaled model of the Statue of Liberty is displayed draped in a Ukrainian flag in the gardens of the French Embassy in Washington, DC, USA, 18 August 2025. European Leaders are at the White House in support of President Zelenskyy following President Trump's meeting with President Vladimir Putin of Russia in Anchorage, Alaska, USA, on 15 August 2025. Picture: EPA/YVES HERMAN / POOL A tourist dressed in a traditional Qing dynasty costume poses for a photo on a street in Beijing, China, 18 August 2025. The Great Qing dynasty was the last imperial dynastied of China from 1644 to 1911/12. Picture: EPA/WU HAO Members of the guard of honor prepare ahead a welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam, 19 August 2025. King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is on a state visit to Vietnam from 18 to 22 August. Picture: EPA/LUONG THAI LINH / POOL Funeral of the four year old Eldorado Park girl known as Baby Nikita at Don Mateman Hall in Eldorado Park, 19 August 2025, before going to her final resting place at Nasrec memorial park. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/The Citizen E-hailing operators during a march to the offices of the Gauteng MEC of Transport and the Provincial Legislature to hand over a memorandum of demands on August 19, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The group is calling for industry regulation, fair pricing to be set and other key changes. (Photo by Gallo Images/Luba Lesolle) Boatmen cross the waters of Dal Lake during rain in Srinagar, India, 18 August 2025. A heavy rain alert has been announced in Kashmir with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of more flash floods and landslides. The Meteorological Centre Srinagar also issued a fresh weather advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, predicting a wet spell in several districts of both Kashmir and Jammu divisions. Picture: EPA/FAROOQ KHAN Pigeons that are fed by Pierre de Wet outside Lincoln Centre in Blairgorie, north of Johannesburg, 17 August 2025. He has been feeding them for the past 20 years. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/The Citizen Keshav Maharaj of South Africa reacts with team mates during the Australia v South Africa – ODI Series: Game 1 at Cazaly's Stadium on August 19, 2025 in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by) People watch as the Kiruna Church landmark is being moved on a specially designed trolley with 224 wheels at a speed of half a kilometer per hour in Kiruna, northern Sweden, 19 August 2025. The 40-meter-wide, 672,000-kilo wooden church has been placed on a wheeled trailer for its five-kilometre relocation to Kiruna's new town center on 19 and 20 August, due to the expansion of the iron ore mine. Picture: EPA/Fredrik Sandberg A tree near the grave of US musician Jim Morrison covered with chewing gum left by fans at Pere-Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, France, 18 August 2025. Pere-Lachaise is the largest cemetery in Paris, with around 70,000 graves and many famous people buried there. It receives more than three and a half million visitors each year, making it the most visited cemetery in the world. Picture: EPA/CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON MORE: 24 hours in pictures, 18 August 2025
Business Insider
18-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
World's longest heated oil pipeline hits 64.5% completion, earns Tanzania TSh50 billion
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), also known as the Uganda–Tanzania Crude Oil Pipeline (UTCOP), has reached a significant implementation milestone, with 64.5% of construction now complete. The East African Crude Oil Pipeline, stretching 1,443 kilometers, is 64.5% complete and will be the world's longest heated pipeline. Its development has contributed approximately $19.5 million to Tanzania's revenue through taxes and levies. The $5 billion project employs 1,200 Tanzanians and aims to enhance regional economic and trade integration. The Uganda–Tanzania Crude Oil Pipeline has generated TSh50 billion (approximately $19.5 million) in revenue for Tanzania through various taxes and levies. This supports the project's projection of boosting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in both countries by over 60% during the construction phase, according to the official factsheet. Stretching 1,443 kilometers, it is the world's longest heated crude oil pipeline and is designed to transport Uganda's crude from Kabaale-Hoima in western Uganda to the Chongoleani Peninsula near Tanzania's Tanga Port. This cross-border infrastructure project is a cornerstone of East Africa's energy strategy and a catalyst for regional economic transformation. The heated pipeline is embedded with electrical filaments and fiber-optic cables along its entire length to ensure the safe, efficient flow of crude oil. The heating system prevents the waxy Ugandan crude from solidifying, while the fiber-optic network supports real-time satellite monitoring and leak detection to mitigate environmental risks. In addition to the export route, Hoima (Uganda) will host a domestic refinery, allowing part of the crude output to be refined for local use while the remainder will be exported via Tanga, integrating the project into global energy markets. Tanzania eyes revenue, jobs from project The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) is a $5 billion joint venture involving TotalEnergies (62%), Uganda National Oil Corporation (15%), Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (15%), and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (8%). The 1,443-kilometre pipeline, set to be the world's longest heated crude oil pipeline, has already generated approximately TSh50 billion (about $19.5 million) in revenue for Tanzania through development levies, taxes, and various construction-related charges. Tanzania's EACOP Project Coordinator, Mr. Asiadi Mrutu, revealed during a recent televised appearance on TBC1 that the project has so far employed 1,200 Tanzanians, including 346 workers from surrounding communities like Chongoleani. This progress is seen as a significant boost to local employment and infrastructure growth. Tanzania's Energy Ministry spokesperson Ms. Neema Mbuja expressed satisfaction with the project's implementation, noting that it is advancing in line with the 2021 agreement.
Zawya
27-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
How New Regional Pipeline Deals are Driving Africa's Energy Future
Three significant developments in Africa's energy landscape made headlines this past month: the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) reached 60% completion, the Republic of Congo finalized a pipeline cooperation agreement with Russia, and Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea signed a deal to advance a joint natural gas pipeline. These milestones underscore increasing momentum behind transnational pipeline projects in Africa, which are not only critical to unlocking hydrocarbon value chains, but also pivotal to industrial growth, regional cooperation and efforts to end energy poverty. With African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies set to take place in Cape Town from September 29 to October 3, recent advances in the midstream sector underscore the growing role of large-scale infrastructure in securing Africa's energy future. AEW 2025 will provide a platform to unpack how strategic partnerships and regional integration can transform pipelines from isolated projects into engines of inclusive development. EACOP: Connecting Uganda to Global Markets The 1,443-km EACOP is set to link Uganda's oil fields in the Lake Albert region to the port of Tanga in Tanzania, facilitating the export of up to 246,000 barrels per day. With 60% of the project now completed – including land acquisition, environmental approvals and construction – EACOP is on track to become the longest heated crude oil pipeline in the world. More than just a logistical asset, EACOP represents a critical economic corridor. It is expected to generate thousands of jobs, stimulate local content and unlock ancillary infrastructure such as roads, storage facilities and power lines. By enabling Uganda to monetize its crude reserves, the pipeline also enhances fiscal revenues that can be reinvested into energy access, education and healthcare. At AEW 2025, stakeholders will explore how flagship projects like EACOP can be used as case studies for balancing investment, environmental responsibility and community development, while ensuring African nations retain sovereignty over their resources. Russia-Congo Deal: A New Axis in Pipeline Diplomacy Just days after the EACOP update, Russia ratified a bilateral agreement with the Republic of Congo for the construction of the Pointe-Noire-Loutete-Maloukou-Trechot oil pipeline. The agreement lays the groundwork for joint efforts in planning, financing, construction and operation of the pipeline, set to be completed in three years. The move strengthens energy ties between the two countries and opens the door for Russian investment in Congo's midstream sector, potentially accelerating the development of critical infrastructure needed to monetize and export the country's hydrocarbon resources. It also signals a shift in Africa's external energy partnerships, with Congo turning to non-Western allies to build out its infrastructure and secure long-term offtake agreements. It reinforces the idea that diversified geopolitical engagement can help African nations close the infrastructure gap faster, provided partnerships are structured transparently and with shared development objectives. As African countries look to strengthen global cooperation, AEW 2025 will offer a space to evaluate new alliances, discuss risk-sharing mechanisms and align infrastructure development with continental priorities under the African Union's Agenda 2063. Nigeria-Equatorial Guinea: A Boost for West African Gas Integration A recent agreement between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, signed on June 18, aims to fast-track the development of a joint natural gas pipeline, designed to increase cross-border gas trade and support export capacity. This project is expected to deepen energy cooperation between the two countries, facilitate access to cleaner fuels and contribute to the diversification of energy sources in the region. It also exemplifies how collaborative infrastructure development can unlock new economic opportunities, stimulate investments and enhance regional energy security. Midstream infrastructure companies are also stepping up efforts to improve regional gas trade and distribution. The West African Gas Pipeline Company, backed by Chevron among other shareholders, operates a vital pipeline that transports Nigerian gas to Benin, Togo and Ghana. This pipeline supports power generation and industrial use across multiple West African countries and plays a key role in diversifying the regional energy mix and promoting cross-border gas trade. Meanwhile, the Republic of Mozambique Pipeline Investments Company, which manages the Mozambique-South Africa Gas Pipeline, recently opened a new office in Maputo, aiming to strengthen regional gas connectivity and market integration. Pipelines and the Fight Against Energy Poverty While Africa accounts for 17% of the global population, it accounts for just 3.3% of global power generation. Energy poverty remains a major constraint on industrialization, education, healthcare and entrepreneurship. Pipelines, by moving fuel to where it is needed most – across borders and into domestic markets – can help address this imbalance. 'In addition to exporting crude, new pipelines have the potential to deliver LPG and natural gas to underserved regions, reducing dependence on biomass and accelerating the shift toward cleaner household and industrial energy,' says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber, adding that coordinated planning between countries can ensure pipelines are multi-purpose and scalable, with clear economic multipliers for local populations. 'AEW 2025 will shine a light on the role of pipelines in achieving universal energy access, examining regulatory frameworks, project finance models and technology solutions that can make these developments more inclusive and efficient,' he notes. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber. AEW: Invest in African Energies AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit for more information about this exciting event.
Arabian Post
04-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
East African Crude Oil Pipeline Hits Key Milestone
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline , stretching 1,443 kilometres from Uganda to the Tanzanian port of Tanga, has passed the 60 percent completion mark, marking a significant step forward in one of Africa's largest infrastructure projects. This progress highlights the accelerating momentum in the development of critical energy infrastructure in the East African region, with implications for the economies and geopolitics of multiple countries. The pipeline, designed to transport up to 216,000 barrels of crude oil per day from the oil fields in Uganda's Lake Albert region to the Indian Ocean coast in Tanzania, aims to bolster export capacity and drive regional economic growth. It is being developed by a consortium led by the French oil giant TotalEnergies and China National Offshore Oil Corporation , alongside the governments of Uganda and Tanzania. The project is expected to be operational by 2025, facilitating Uganda's first significant oil exports and enhancing Tanzania's position as a regional energy hub. Reports from the Tanzanian construction sites indicate steady progress on various segments of the pipeline. Significant advancements have been made on the laying of pipes through diverse terrains including wetlands, forests, and agricultural lands. The project faces ongoing challenges due to the difficult environmental conditions and the need to balance ecological preservation with development objectives. However, the construction teams have implemented numerous mitigation strategies to reduce environmental impact, including careful route planning and community engagement efforts. ADVERTISEMENT Beyond the engineering and logistical achievements, the EACOP project has attracted considerable attention from environmental groups and local communities. Concerns over potential oil spills and long-term environmental degradation have been raised, particularly given the pipeline's passage through sensitive ecosystems such as the Lake Victoria basin and the Kazinga Channel. Environmentalists have urged the companies and governments involved to uphold rigorous safety standards and transparency to safeguard biodiversity and water resources. On the economic front, the pipeline is expected to create thousands of jobs across Uganda and Tanzania during construction and operation phases. Both governments project increased revenues from oil exports, which could translate into enhanced public services and infrastructure development. The project is also seen as a driver for regional integration, potentially strengthening trade ties within the East African Community through improved energy connectivity. Internationally, the EACOP project positions East Africa as a growing player in the global oil market. The completion of this pipeline will diversify crude oil supply routes and reduce reliance on pipelines running through unstable regions, such as those traversing Sudan or South Sudan. This could have broader implications for energy security in the region and beyond, influencing investment flows and geopolitical alignments. Technical reports indicate that the pipeline's infrastructure includes advanced safety features, such as leak detection systems and automated shut-off valves, which are essential in mitigating risks associated with large-scale oil transportation. The project consortium has committed to adhering to international standards throughout the construction and operational phases, a commitment that will be closely monitored by independent auditors and regulatory authorities. The financing of the EACOP pipeline reflects a mix of public and private investment, with considerable involvement from international financial institutions and development banks. This diversified funding approach aims to ensure the project's sustainability and financial viability while aligning with global best practices on transparency and governance. Despite fluctuations in global oil prices and increasing pressure for greener energy alternatives, the pipeline continues to attract financial backing due to its strategic importance. ADVERTISEMENT Local communities along the pipeline route have experienced both benefits and challenges. Job opportunities and infrastructure improvements have contributed positively to many areas, but there have also been disputes over land acquisition and compensation. Authorities from Uganda and Tanzania have been engaged in ongoing dialogues with community representatives to address grievances and ensure fair treatment for affected populations. The pipeline is expected to play a transformative role in Uganda's oil sector, allowing the landlocked country to export crude directly to global markets. This is a vital step in unlocking the commercial potential of Uganda's oil reserves, which were discovered over the past two decades but remained largely untapped due to logistical hurdles. With the pipeline nearing completion, Uganda's oil production is poised to increase significantly, potentially altering the country's economic landscape. For Tanzania, the pipeline's terminus at the port of Tanga offers prospects for expanding the country's industrial base, including refining and petrochemical industries. The project complements Tanzania's ambitions to become a regional energy corridor, benefiting from both oil exports and transit fees. The government has indicated plans to develop ancillary infrastructure, such as storage facilities and transportation networks, further integrating energy supply chains. Critics caution that the project must carefully navigate the evolving global energy transition. With increasing commitments from many countries and corporations to reduce carbon emissions and shift toward renewable energy sources, the long-term viability of new oil infrastructure faces scrutiny. Balancing economic growth from oil revenues with environmental sustainability and climate goals remains a complex challenge for the EACOP consortium and East African governments. The pipeline's construction also intersects with broader regional security concerns. Ensuring the pipeline's protection from sabotage, theft, and other security threats is paramount, given its economic significance. Governments have invested in coordination efforts among security agencies to safeguard the infrastructure, which spans multiple jurisdictions and sensitive areas.
