Dangote Group Breaks Ground on $16 Billion Kenya Refinery

Lamu, Kenya: Aliko Dangote has launched the construction of a major oil refinery in Kenya, describing the project as a significant step toward strengthening African industrialisation and reducing dependence on imported finished products. 

Dangote said the idea began in April following engagements with President William Ruto and President Yoweri Museveni. The refinery is expected to cost approximately KSh 2.2 trillion (about US$16–17 billion) and will have a capacity of 700,000 barrels per day._

 Dangote said the same team plans to return to the site in 40 months to launch the completed refinery. He said that after stabilisation, the refinery will be listed on the Kenyan Stock Exchange, allowing Kenyans and investors to participate in its ownership. For the people of Lamu, Dangote said the project will be about more than construction. A training school will be established to train more than 2,000 experts, while tens of thousands of people are expected to benefit through employment, construction, logistics and other businesses.

 He stressed that indigenous communities and young Kenyans must participate in the project, while companies across East Africa should have opportunities to supply construction materials, labour, services and other products—including bio-products required by the refinery. Dangote also called for a stronger regional market, arguing that projects of this scale should not be viewed only through the lens of Kenya. East Africa must increasingly think and trade as one market. He said 30% of the proceeds has been earmarked for the East African market. 

He emphasised environmental protection, saying that building for future generations must go hand in hand with protecting the environment. According to Dangote, Africa's greatest deficit has not been resources but confidence. He urged African entrepreneurs and governments to think bigger and build major projects themselves.

He thanked the Kenyan Government and the people of Lamu, as well as Nigeria's leadership for creating confidence for African businesses to expand across the continent. He also acknowledged former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, whom he credited with encouraging Dangote to expand beyond Nigeria. Addressing those who may seek to challenge the project legally, Dangote said they were free to go to court and that his team was prepared to defend the project through the legal process. 

His broader message was clear: Africa must move from exporting raw materials to producing finished products and exporting them to the rest of the world. “African entrepreneurs must be bold. Together as one, we stand to gain more” he said