EACOP and IEC Forge Partnership to Strengthen SME Participation in Oil & Gas Sector

Kampala, Uganda.

The East African Crude Oil Pipeline Ltd. (EACOP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Industry Enhancement Centre (IEC) to enhance national content development and strengthen the capacity of Ugandan Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) participating in the oil and gas industry.

Under the partnership, IEC will deliver business opportunities and localized training programs, while EACOP will facilitate timely dissemination of contracts and engagements to IEC-registered companies. The agreement also emphasizes collaboration with technical and tertiary institutions to build a skilled workforce capable of meeting industry demands.

Why It Matters:
Local participation in extractive industries is critical for job creation, skills transfer, and economic inclusion. This MoU demonstrates a deliberate shift toward empowering Ugandan SMEs to compete for subcontracts and services in a sector that has traditionally been dominated by foreign firms.

What to Watch:

Start of localized business opportunity sessions and outreach programs.

Measurable SME involvement in EACOP supply chains.

New partnerships with universities and vocational institutions.