Aliko Dangote, president and chief executive officer of Dangote Group, has pledged to replicate his 650,000 barrels-per-day (bpd) refinery model in East Africa, provided the governments in the region offer support. He made this commitment while intensifying calls for Africa to pursue industrial self-sufficiency and reduce dependence on imports.
Commitment at Africa We Build Summit
Speaking at the ‘Africa We Build Summit 2026’ in Nairobi, Dangote explained that the refinery project in Nigeria, which is already operational at 650,000 barrels per day and is still in the construction and expansion phases, would serve as the blueprint for similar investments in East Africa.
“I can give commitment to the two presidents that were here, if they will support the refinery, we’ll build the identical one that we have in Nigeria, 650,000 bpd. It will work. There’s nothing that can stop it. We have done the one in Nigeria, and that’s why we’re taking the bold move on expansion,” he said.
Expansion Strategy and Industrial Vision
The industrialist said the Nigerian refinery remains the foundation of a wider expansion strategy aimed at increasing total capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day. He emphasised that Africa must prioritise local production capacity and reduce exposure to global price shocks, adding that large-scale industrial projects were achievable with disciplined execution and access to capital.
Dangote also reflected on earlier financing experiences, saying Africa’s industrial projects can attract global funding when credibility and repayment discipline are demonstrated.
