Careers for Women in Africa: Join the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline

Women in oil and gas: real job paths on the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). What the project is, status, roles, training, travel, work permits, safety, and how to apply solo or with kids.

A Career Calling for Women in Africa

Are you a woman dreaming of a bold career move? The East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) is transforming opportunities in Uganda and Tanzania. With construction now over 60 % complete, this is the perfect time to explore real career paths in oil and gas.

What Is the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline?

The EACOP is a 1,443 km heated crude pipeline transporting waxy oil from Uganda's Lake Albert to Tanzania's Port of Tanga. It's designed as the longest electrically-heated oil pipeline—maintaining oil at 50 °C (122 °F) via electric heat tracing. Its capacity reaches ~246,000 barrels per day. Ownership: TotalEnergies 62 %, UNOC 15 %, TPDC 15 %, CNOOC 8 %. Construction is now at approximately 62–65 % completion, with first oil targeted for late 2026. Explore operator details and technical specs on the official EACOP site and related reports.

Personal Stories: Women Thriving on the Pipeline

Scovia T., Welder (Uganda): "Some men doubt me, but I weld with pride. This job changes our lives. I prove I belong every day."

Juliette N., Safety Officer (Tanzania): "I teach my daughters they can build anything. Training was tough, but worth it."

Amina K., Laborer (Uganda): "Carrying tools is rough, but it pays school fees. This job gives hope."

Women are entering trades such as welding, pipe coating, HSE roles, and control systems—training programs are showing a real impact on empowerment and career paths.

Roles You Can Target

• Skilled trades: welding, coating, rigging.
• HSE and Operations: safety officer, environmental monitoring, AGI operations.
• Tech and Monitoring: fiber-optic/telecom, SCADA, instrumentation.
• Support and Logistics: transport, warehousing, accommodation.

Challenges include long shifts and cultural resistance but strong training and safety protocols are making empowerment possible.

Travel Tips for Women Working in Africa

Visas and Work Permits

• Uganda: apply online for work visa; employer sponsors permit.
• Tanzania: secure a work permit via the Ministry of Labour first, then residence permit.

Health and Safety

• Yellow fever vaccination is required for Uganda—carry your "yellow card."
• Ask about secure housing and travel arrangements in interviews.
• Basic Swahili and Luganda go a long way to build trust on site.

Why Work on EACOP as a Woman?

• Major investment is boosting local economies and skills.
• You will gain high-value technical skills: LLHT/EHT systems, SCADA, fiber-optic monitoring.
• Be a role model; your leadership motivates others.

How to Apply and Get a Job

Begin with reliable sources and watch out for scams.

• EACOP Careers
• TotalEnergies Careers
• Petroleum Authority of Uganda Careers

Women Traveling with Children to Work on the Pipeline

For mothers considering this adventure, working on EACOP with young children is possible, with the right support.

Support from Employers

TotalEnergies' global "Care Together" program includes fully paid parental leave (at least 14 weeks for the first parent, 2 weeks for the second) and health coverage for families demonstrating that family life is valued alongside career growth. 

Real Challenges (and Hopes)

Long shifts and remote work locations like Kabaale–Hoima can stretch childcare options. As Grace W., a 30-year-old technician and mother, puts it: "I bring my son to a local caregiver, but it's stressful. I'd love official support." These realities emphasize the need for on-site daycare or housing allowances, something to discuss during interviews.

Travel and Logistics with Kids

• Documentation: Make sure your children have passports and visas. Begin early to prevent delays.
• Family Housing: Find accommodations close to worksites or rent in nearby villages; connecting with locals is helpful.
• Health: Keep vaccinations up to date (e.g., yellow fever), and leverage on-site clinics if available.
• Childcare during work: Plan for caregiving; on-site daycare can ease stress and improve focus.
• Education: Explore online schooling or local community programs. Juliette's daughter, for example, benefits from a small local learning setup.

Finding Support Networks & Role Modeling

• Connect with other mothers on-site or join women-in-energy groups—Grace emphasizes: "Find a friend—together, we manage better."
• Empower through example: Bringing your children helps them see what strong, professional women can achieve, just like Juliette's impact on her daughters.

Your Pipeline to Empowerment

The EACOP represents more than infrastructure; it's a platform for women to learn, travel, and lead. If you bring skills, resilience, and vision, you belong here.

The project has drawn global attention for its environmental footprint, with activists protesting at banks financing it (e.g., Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation). Proponents emphasize its safety tech and economic upliftment. Once operational, it could transform East Africa's energy landscape, potentially expanding to a regional hub. For more details, check official sources like the Petroleum Authority of Uganda or TotalEnergies updates.