Dangote Targets 2.1m bpd Refining Capacity across Africa

Dangote Industries Limited has unveiled plans to increase its refining capacity to a combined 2.1 million barrels per day (bpd) across Nigeria and Kenya, as part of a broader $46 billion investment programme aimed at expanding its refining, fertiliser and cement businesses over the next three years.

The expansion plan was disclosed during a visit by executives of the Republic of the Congo's national oil company, Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC), to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos, where both parties explored opportunities for long-term cooperation in refining, petroleum product supply and regional energy development.

Under the proposed expansion, Dangote Industries plans to raise refining capacity in Nigeria to 1.4 million bpd while developing a 700,000-bpd refinery in Kenya, a project designed to serve East African markets and strengthen the company's footprint across the continent.

Group Vice President for Oil and Gas, Devakumar Edwin, said the expansion aligns with the company's strategy of increasing Africa's domestic refining capacity and reducing dependence on imported petroleum products.

He added that Dangote Industries intends to invest an additional $46 billion in its refining, fertiliser and cement operations between 2026 and 2028 to accelerate industrial growth across Africa.

Congo explores long-term energy partnership

The Congolese delegation used the visit to discuss a possible strategic partnership with Dangote Petroleum Refinery covering refined fuel supply, energy security, industrial development and technical collaboration.

SNPC Managing Director, Maixent Raoul Ominga, described the Lagos refinery as one of Africa's most significant industrial projects and said the Republic of the Congo was interested in building a long-term relationship with Dangote Industries.

"We have visited this remarkable refinery, which represents a major industrial achievement for Africa. The Republic of the Congo has refining capacity, and we are keen to explore strategic cooperation that will help strengthen the supply of refined petroleum products while creating value for both organisations," Ominga said.

He noted that discussions extended beyond fuel supply to include knowledge transfer, regional energy integration and broader industrial cooperation.

Ominga also commended Dangote Group's investments in the Republic of the Congo's cement industry, saying they have strengthened local manufacturing capacity and improved access to construction materials.

President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries, Aliko Dangote, reaffirmed the group's commitment to driving industrial development across Africa through regional partnerships.

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

Dangote added that the refinery has set a new benchmark for fuel quality on the continent by producing petroleum products that meet international standards while helping reduce Africa's dependence on imported refined fuels.

The planned expansion comes as the company continues to scale up operations at its Lagos refinery and pursue a broader strategy of positioning itself as a leading supplier of refined petroleum products across Africa. If completed, the projects would significantly increase regional refining capacity, support intra-African energy trade and reinforce efforts by African countries to process more of their crude oil locally rather than exporting it for refining abroad.