Aliko Dangote has outlined plans to construct a 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery in East Africa, signalling a major step in expanding his refining operations beyond Nigeria as African economies push to reduce dependence on imported fuel.
The proposal was presented during a high-level session at the Africa We Build Summit in Nairobi, where the Nigerian Businessman indicated that his group is prepared to replicate the scale and structure of its flagship Lagos refinery provided governments in the region offer sufficient backing.
This initiative comes amid growing momentum among East African states to strengthen domestic refining capacity and improve energy security.
According to Dangote, efforts are already underway at a regional level, with Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania advancing discussions on a shared refining facility in the port city of Tanga.
The proposed hub is expected to process crude from across the region, including supplies from the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, reflecting a coordinated approach to energy infrastructure development.
“I can give commitment to the presidents here today that if they support the refinery, we will build the identical one that we have in Nigeria, a 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery. The discussions are still early, but it will work. There is nothing that can stop it. We have done it before in Nigeria, and that is why we are taking this bold step again.”
Aliko Dangote
This announcement comes at a time when much of East and Southern Africa continues to rely heavily on imported petroleum products, leaving economies exposed to global supply shocks and price volatility.
The proposed refinery is being positioned as part of a broader plan toward local production and long-term energy resilience.
Dangote also confirmed that expansion work is ongoing in Nigeria to significantly increase refining output to 1.4 million barrels per day, a development that could place the facility among the largest globally and reinforce his group’s leadership in the sector.
Regional Push for Energy Independence Gains Momentum
Reports indicate that roughly three-quarters of refined petroleum products used in East and Southern Africa are imported, mainly from the Middle East, leaving the region exposed to supply disruptions and sharp price increases during geopolitical instability.
Recent global uncertainties, including tensions involving Iran, have further highlighted this vulnerability and intensified calls for regional refining capacity.
Meanwhile, Uganda is pursuing its own project, partnering in 2024 with UAE-based Alpha MBM Investments for a 60,000bpd refinery.
Kenyan President, William Ruto confirmed that discussions with Dangote are progressing, describing the refinery plan as a key component of efforts to reduce reliance on imports.
“We are going to have a joint refinery in Tanga to benefit all of us because that refinery will take crude from the DRC, Kenya, South Sudan, and Uganda. We are in talks with Dangote to see how we can collaborate on building a refinery in the region. This is part of our broader strategy to strengthen energy security and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.”
William Ruto
According to the Kenyan President, supporting infrastructure such as a pipeline linking Mombasa to Tanga will be critical to ensuring consistent crude supply and operational efficiency once the project is underway.
Moreover, Dangote, pointed to recent volatility in global petrochemical markets as a clear warning for African economies. “Look at what is happening today. If not for the local production of polypropylene in Nigeria, many businesses would have collapsed. Cement packaging, flour, rice, grains everything depends on it,” adding that, “in just 45 days, the price jumped from about $900 per tonne to nearly $3,000 per tonne. That tells you why we must build local capacity and stop relying on imports.”
He also highlighted improvements in Africa’s financial ecosystem, noting that access to capital for large-scale projects has expanded considerably in recent years. “We now have strong financial institutions that are willing to support big-ticket projects, and we also have the vision to execute them. This was not the case years ago,” he stated.
“We want all Africans to invest. This is a continental asset, and we will be paying dividends in dollars. It will deepen the market and give Africans a stake in critical infrastructure. My commitment is that if we agree with three or four governments in the region, we will lead the process and ensure that the refinery is built within the next four or five years.”
Aliko Dangote
READ ALSO : Devon Waste Carrier Ordered to Pay Over £17,000 for Illegal Dumping
