Dangote Offers to Replicate Nigerian Refinery in East Africa
President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has expressed readiness to build a refinery in East Africa similar to the world-class facility currently operating in Nigeria if he receives the necessary support from the governments of Kenya and Uganda.
Dangote made the disclosure while speaking on the prospects of expanding refining capacity across the African continent, stating that the success of such a project would depend largely on the commitment and backing of regional leaders.
According to him, if Kenyan President William Ruto and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni provide the required support, his company would be willing to construct an identical refinery to the one currently operating in Nigeria.
“If President Ruto and President Museveni will support the refinery, we’ll build an identical one to the one we have in Nigeria,” Dangote said.
The Nigerian businessman noted that expanding refining infrastructure across Africa would significantly reduce the continent’s dependence on imported petroleum products, strengthen energy security, create jobs, and stimulate industrial growth.
Industry analysts say a refinery of similar scale to the one developed by the Dangote Group in Nigeria could transform fuel supply chains across East Africa, reduce foreign exchange pressures associated with fuel imports, and enhance regional economic integration.
The statement underscores Dangote’s growing interest in supporting Africa’s industrialisation drive through large-scale investments in critical sectors, particularly energy and manufacturing.
The proposed refinery, if realised, would rank among the largest industrial investments in East Africa and could further strengthen economic cooperation between Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda.
