Dangote Targets 2.1 Million BPD Refining Capacity as Congo Energy Partnership Talks Gather Momentum

Africa’s industrialisation drive received a major boost as the Dangote Group unveiled plans to increase its total refining capacity to 2.1 million barrels per day (BPD), backed by a massive $46 billion investment across its refining, cement, and fertiliser businesses. The ambitious expansion strategy will see the company raise refining capacity in Nigeria to 1.4 million BPD while developing a new 700,000 BPD refining complex in Kenya to serve growing demand across East Africa.

The announcement comes amid ongoing discussions between Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals and the Republic of the Congo’s national oil company, Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC), aimed at strengthening regional energy cooperation. The talks are expected to explore opportunities in petroleum products supply, refining, industrial development, energy security, and knowledge exchange, further deepening Africa’s push for greater self-sufficiency in the energy sector.

Leading a Congolese delegation to the Dangote Refinery in Lagos, SNPC Managing Director Maixent Raoul Ominga described the facility as a landmark achievement for Africa. He praised the refinery’s scale and impact, noting that it demonstrates the continent’s ability to finance, build, and operate world-class industrial infrastructure. Ominga also highlighted Dangote Group’s contributions to Congo’s cement sector, which he said have helped strengthen local production and improve access to essential construction materials.

Speaking during the visit, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, reiterated the company’s commitment to driving industrial growth beyond Nigeria’s borders. According to him, the refinery has set a new standard for fuel quality in Africa by producing petroleum products that meet international specifications while reducing the continent’s reliance on imported refined fuel. He emphasized that regional partnerships remain critical to unlocking Africa’s economic potential and building stronger value chains across the continent.

With plans to invest an additional $46 billion between 2026 and 2028, Dangote Group is positioning itself at the centre of Africa’s industrial transformation. The proposed partnership with Congo, alongside the planned expansion into Kenya, signals a broader vision of creating a more integrated African energy market. Industry observers believe the move could enhance energy security, boost intra-African trade, and accelerate economic development as countries increasingly look inward to meet their refining and industrial needs.

source: arise