Dangote Promises to Build a Refinery in East Africa with Right Support

Aliko Dangote has promised to build a refinery in East Africa, similar to the one he has in Lagos, Nigeria. He said that with the right support, he can bring the same success to East Africa.

Dangote made this promise during the Africa We Build Summit 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, where he spoke about his vision for energy self-sufficiency in the region.

His plan is to build a refinery in Tanga, Tanzania, with a pipeline connecting it to Kenya’s Mombasa port. This will allow countries like Kenya, Uganda, and other East African nations to benefit from local oil production.

Building the Same Refinery as in Nigeria

Dangote explained that if the Kenyan President William Ruto and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni support the project, he would be able to build a refinery capable of processing 650,000 barrels per day, just like the one in Lagos.

He is confident the project will succeed, noting that the Lagos refinery is already up and running and that work in East Africa has begun.

“We have already started piling the foundation for the refinery, and our goal is to scale up to 1.4 million barrels per day, which will make it one of the largest refineries in the world,” Dangote said.

Africa’s Need for Self-Sufficiency in Energy

Dangote highlighted the importance of petrochemicals for various industries in Africa. “Without petrochemicals like polypropylene, many industries would collapse.

In Nigeria, everything from cement to flour depends on it,” he explained. He also noted that the cost of these products has increased sharply, making local production even more crucial for Africa’s future.

Dangote believes that Africa should become more self-sufficient in its production of petrochemicals and other products, rather than depending on expensive imports. “We have the resources and talent to do this. Africa can build its own future,” he said.

Uganda’s Bold Move to Promote Local Production

Dangote also praised President Museveni of Uganda for stopping the export of raw materials, which forces local industries to produce more. “We must keep moving forward and stop relying on others for what we can make ourselves,” he said.

He added that Africa’s financial institutions are ready to support large projects, and the continent has the necessary expertise and resources to drive its own industrial growth.

Africa’s Path to Economic Independence

Dangote’s pledge to build a refinery in East Africa is a step towards Africa’s economic independence. By using local resources and creating jobs, this refinery could help East Africa reduce its reliance on imported petroleum products.

It could also boost the region’s industrial growth and provide a model for other parts of Africa to follow.

In the long run, Dangote’s refinery could be a key part of a larger effort to make Africa self-sufficient in energy and industrial production, paving the way for a stronger, more independent economy.

FAQs

Why does Dangote want to build a refinery in East Africa?

Dangote wants to help East Africa reduce its reliance on imported petroleum products by building a refinery in Tanzania, with benefits for Kenya, Uganda, and neighbouring countries.

How will the refinery help East Africa?

The refinery will produce oil locally, reducing energy shortages and helping stabilise fuel prices. It will also create jobs and support industrial growth in the region.

What will the refinery’s capacity be?

The refinery will process 650,000 barrels per day, with plans to scale up to 1.4 million barrels per day, making it one of the largest refineries in the world.

How will this refinery change Africa’s energy situation?

The refinery will make East Africa more self-sufficient in energy, reducing the need for imported fuel and contributing to the region’s economic independence.

How can African financial institutions support this project?

Dangote believes that Africa’s financial institutions are ready to support large-scale projects like this refinery, which will help strengthen the region’s financial independence.