–Arusha conference highlights the role of young people in transforming energy resources into economic opportunity and national development
By Ajong Mbapndah L
More than 200 students, energy professionals, policymakers, and development stakeholders gathered in Arusha on May 30 for the fourth edition of the Youth in the Energy Sector Students’ Conference, a forum dedicated to exploring how Tanzania can harness its energy resources to drive economic growth, create jobs, and empower a new generation of leaders.
Held under the theme “From Resource to Prosperity: How Tanzania Turns Energy into Development,” the conference was organized by EACOP and TotalEnergies in partnership with Ubuntu Impact Limited. Since its launch, the initiative has grown into an important platform for connecting students with industry leaders and exposing them to the opportunities emerging across Tanzania’s rapidly evolving energy sector.
Students from the Arusha Technical University, the Institute of Accountancy Arusha, and the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology joined representatives from government institutions and energy companies for a day of discussions, practical learning sessions, and career engagement activities.
The conversations focused on a question that continues to shape development debates across Africa: how can natural resources be converted into lasting prosperity for citizens?
Delivering the keynote address on “Energy Transition: African Youth and the Right to Develop,” Kenneth Mutaonga urged young people to see themselves as active participants in Africa’s transformation rather than passive observers.
Drawing on examples from across the continent, Mutaonga said the energy sector offers opportunities that extend far beyond traditional technical roles. He encouraged young professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners to position themselves within the industry’s expanding value chains and acquire the skills needed to compete in a changing marketplace.
His message resonated with students eager to understand how they can contribute to one of the sectors expected to play a major role in Tanzania’s economic future.
Panel discussions throughout the conference examined the impact of large-scale energy investments on local economies and communities. Speakers highlighted the importance of ensuring that projects create employment, strengthen local businesses, and generate opportunities that extend well beyond the lifespan of construction activities.
The discussions also explored financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and access to capital, with participants encouraged to look beyond traditional employment and consider how they might build businesses capable of serving the energy industry.
Among the examples cited was the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), which was presented as an illustration of how major infrastructure investments can stimulate economic activity, support local enterprises, and create employment opportunities across multiple sectors.
A recurring theme throughout the event was the need to invest not only in physical infrastructure but also in human capital.
Speaking during a panel on the role of energy projects in strengthening local economies, Marième-Sav Sow emphasized that Africa’s development ambitions will ultimately depend on the strength of its institutions and its people.
She noted that while the continent possesses abundant natural resources, long-term success will be determined by its ability to build the skills, knowledge, and capacity needed to transform those resources into broad-based prosperity.
One of the most engaging parts of the conference was the career exhibition hosted by EACOP Tanzania and TotalEnergies Marketing Tanzania. Students interacted directly with company representatives, learned about graduate and trainee programs, and gained insight into the qualifications and experience sought by employers in the sector. Testimonials from young professionals already working within the industry offered practical perspectives on career development and the realities of working in energy.
For many participants, the event provided more than information. It offered a clearer picture of the pathways available to young Tanzanians seeking to build careers in a sector that is attracting growing investment and increasing national attention.
As Tanzania advances major energy projects and seeks to expand its industrial and economic base, the importance of preparing the next generation is becoming increasingly evident. The conference reflected a shared understanding that the country’s future prosperity will depend not only on the resources beneath its soil but also on the skills, ambition, and innovation of its people.
By bringing together students, educators, industry leaders, and policymakers, the conference reinforced the value of collaboration in building an energy sector that creates opportunities for Tanzanians while supporting the country’s broader development goals.
