Dangote Industries Limited, Africa’s largest industrial conglomerate, has unveiled plans to raise its total crude oil refining capacity to 2.1 million barrels per day, a move aimed at advancing the continent’s energy security and industrial development.
The proposed expansion includes increasing refining capacity in Nigeria to 1.4 million barrels per day through the ongoing expansion of the Dangote Refinery in Lagos, as well as the construction of a 700,000 barrel per day refinery in Kenya to serve markets across East Africa.
The plan was disclosed by the Group Vice President for Oil and Gas, Devakumar Edwin, during a visit by officials of the , the Republic of the Congo’s national oil company, to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals in Lagos.
Edwin also revealed that the company intends to invest an additional 46 billion US dollars between 2026 and 2028 in its refining, cement and fertiliser operations as part of its long term strategy to drive industrial growth across Africa.
He said the refinery has already set a new standard for fuel quality by producing petroleum products that meet international specifications while reducing the continent’s reliance on imported refined petroleum products.
The visiting delegation, headed by Managing Director Maixent Raoul Ominga, described the Dangote Refinery as a strategic asset for Africa and expressed interest in establishing a long term partnership with the company to strengthen the supply of refined petroleum products, enhance energy security and deepen industrial collaboration.
Ominga commended Dangote Industries for proving that African companies are capable of financing, constructing and operating world class industrial facilities. He also praised the group’s investments in the Republic of the Congo, particularly in the cement sector, for supporting local manufacturing and economic growth.
President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries, , reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the continent, saying:
“We are for Africa, not just Nigeria. Tell us what you need, and we will see how we can work together.”
If completed, the expansion is expected to reinforce Dangote Industries’ position among the world’s leading refinery operators while boosting Africa’s energy security, reducing dependence on imported fuel and supporting regional economic integration.
