Dangote Targets 2.1m bpd Refining Capacity in Africa, Opens Partnership Talks With Congo

Dangote Group has unveiled a major expansion plan that could raise its total refining capacity in Africa to 2.1 million barrels per day.

The plan includes 1.4 million barrels per day in Nigeria and a proposed 700,000 barrels per day refining complex in Kenya. The Kenya project is expected to serve markets across East Africa.

The expansion forms part of Dangote Group’s wider plan to deepen Africa’s industrial base and reduce the continent’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products.

Group Plans $46bn Investment

The group also plans to invest an additional $46 billion between 2026 and 2028 across its refining, cement and fertiliser businesses.

The investment is expected to support industrial growth, strengthen regional supply chains and increase Africa’s capacity to produce more of what it consumes.

Dangote Group has continued to position itself as one of the continent’s biggest private-sector drivers of industrialisation, with operations across energy, manufacturing, cement, agriculture and fertiliser.

Congo Seeks Strategic Partnership

The expansion plan comes as Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals begins talks with the Republic of the Congo’s national oil company, Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, on a possible strategic partnership.

A Congolese delegation, led by SNPC Managing Director Maixent Raoul Ominga, visited the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos as part of discussions between both organisations.

The talks focused on refined petroleum products supply, energy security, refining cooperation, industrial development and knowledge sharing.

SNPC Praises Dangote Refinery

Ominga described the Dangote refinery as a major industrial achievement for Africa.

He said the Republic of the Congo already has refining capacity, but wants to explore cooperation with Dangote to improve the supply of refined petroleum products and create value for both organisations.

According to him, the refinery shows that Africa can finance, build and operate world-class industrial infrastructure.

He also praised Dangote Group’s investments in Congo’s cement sector, saying they had strengthened local production capacity and improved access to construction materials.

Dangote Says Africa Must Build for Itself

President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, said the group remains committed to Africa’s industrial growth through value addition, investment and regional partnerships.

“We are for Africa, not just Nigeria. Tell us what you need, and we will see how we can work together,” Dangote said.

He added that the refinery had set a new standard for fuel quality in Africa by producing petroleum products that meet top international specifications.

The refinery is also expected to improve access to cleaner fuels and reduce Africa’s reliance on imported petroleum products from outside the continent.

Kenya Refinery to Serve East Africa

During the visit, Dangote Industries Limited’s Group Vice President for Oil and Gas, Devakumar Edwin, explained the company’s long-term refining plan.

He said Dangote Group aims to raise total refining capacity to 2.1 million barrels per day through expanded capacity in Nigeria and a planned 700,000 barrels per day refining complex in Kenya.

The Kenya refinery would give Dangote a stronger position in East Africa and could help supply countries that currently depend heavily on imported fuel.

Energy Security and Regional Trade

The talks between SNPC and Dangote point to a growing push for African countries and companies to cooperate more closely on energy supply.

For many African economies, fuel import dependence has created pressure on foreign exchange, weakened energy security and increased exposure to global supply shocks.

A stronger African refining network could help keep more value on the continent, support local industries and boost intra-African trade.

Top Officials Attend Meeting

Several senior officials attended the meeting, including Group Executive Director, Commercial, Oil and Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Fatima Aliko Dangote.

Also present were Peggy Ndongo, Adviser to the President of the Republic of the Congo, and advisers to the SNPC Managing Director, Aymar Ebiou and Norbert Mabiala.

The engagement signals a broader effort by Dangote Group and Congo’s national oil company to strengthen regional energy cooperation and support Africa’s move toward greater self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products.

What This Means for Africa

Dangote Group’s planned expansion could reshape Africa’s refining landscape if executed as planned.

With a larger refining base in Nigeria, a proposed refinery in Kenya and possible partnerships with countries like Congo, the group is moving to build a more connected African energy market.

For the continent, the bigger question is whether these investments can translate into cheaper fuel, stronger industrial growth, more jobs and reduced dependence on imported refined products.