Dangote Industries Limited has taken the first major step toward building a proposed $17 billion refinery in Kenya, a project expected to strengthen fuel production and reduce East Africa’s reliance on imported petroleum products.
Preliminary activities, including site selection, soil testing, and engineering work, have already begun ahead of construction.
The News Chronicle reports that the refinery will be located on Lamu Island and will process 700,000 barrels of crude oil daily, making it one of the largest refining facilities on the continent.
The project is expected to serve Kenya and neighboring countries while boosting regional energy security and trade.
Company officials said the investment forms part of Dangote Group’s wider expansion strategy across Africa. The refinery will reportedly be financed through internal funding, bonds, and proceeds from a planned public offering, while Nigeria’s existing refinery is also being expanded.
The investment comes as African nations push to reduce dependence on imported refined products despite producing large volumes of crude oil. Industry observers believe the Kenya refinery could reshape fuel supply across East Africa, encourage industrial growth, improve regional trade, and strengthen the continent’s drive toward energy independence.
