Aliko Dangote has identified the senior executive behind the technology for his planned 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Lamu, Kenya, stating that the technology provider will earn a commission on every barrel processed. During the groundbreaking ceremony for the $16 billion (KSh 2 trillion) East African oil refinery held on Wednesday, September 30, Dangote publicly recognised Rajesh Gattupalli, president of Honeywell UOP, who was present at the event. President William Ruto and other African leaders attended the ceremony.
Commission Agreement and Technology Provider
In his address, Dangote explained the commercial arrangement behind the technology, saying, "The company that sold the technology of building this refinery is UOP, and I'm sure the MD is here. Dr Rajesh, can you stand so that you can be recognised?" He then elaborated on the deal: "We bought the technology from him. So for every barrel we process, he collects a commission. I'm serious."
The Lamu refinery project is designed to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil daily and is expected to be completed within 40 months. Honeywell UOP is a major technology and process-licensing company serving the global refining and petrochemical industries, providing process technology, licensing, equipment, and related services. Its portfolio includes technologies used to convert crude oil and natural gas into fuels and other products, covering areas such as refining, gas processing, hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel, and other energy technologies.
Previous Collaboration with Dangote
Honeywell UOP has a history of working with Dangote. In April 2017, UOP announced that it had secured a contract from Dangote Oil Refinery Company for critical equipment, technology licensing, and design services for the Dangote refinery in Lekki, Nigeria. The agreement included technologies such as RFCC, Unicracking, CCR Platforming, Penex, and Butamer.
Honeywell has continued to work with Dangote on the Nigerian refinery, with the company stating in 2025 that it had been providing process technology to the facility for nearly a decade. The recognition of Gattupalli at the Lamu ceremony underscores the ongoing partnership between Dangote and Honeywell UOP, extending their collaboration to the new East African project.
