Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, has indicated that the refinery model developed in Lagos can be successfully replicated in East Africa, provided there is sufficient political will and institutional backing.
He made this known while speaking at the Africa We Build Summit 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, where he addressed regional leaders and stakeholders on the need for large-scale industrial investment across the continent.
Dangote said: “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 barrels per day.”
The two leaders referenced were William Ruto of Kenya and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda.
The proposed project would involve the construction of a refinery in Tanga, Tanzania, with a pipeline connection to Kenya’s Mombasa port, creating a supply network capable of serving multiple East African countries.
Speaking further, Dangote expressed confidence in the feasibility of the project, pointing to the successful execution of the refinery in Nigeria as proof of concept.
“There is nothing that can stop it. We have done the one in Nigeria and that’s why we are taking the bold move which was started already. Piling has started, while building to a scale – 1.4 million barrels per day will give us the largest refinery – world number two.
“It is 10% of entire United States of America’s refining capacity.
“And this is coming with lot of, you know, petrochemicals. If we look at it today in Nigeria, if not because we have polypropylene, all the plants, all businesses would collapse.
“Cement is packed in polypropylene, flour, rice, grains, everything. So nothing… and the cost now has shot up between just 45 days – from $900 to 3$3,000. There is no way you can afford that. You can’t afford it.
“So, that is why we must learn how to build self-sufficiency. Right now, we have big financial institutions that are very hungry for big ticket items. And we’re also big in terms of our own vision.
“So, it is possible. Africans can do it. Let us not be scared. No. Let us not come and be convinced, as I know somebody needs to carry our own material to go and produce and bring the items here.
“I must really thank the President of Uganda for taking this bold move: stopping the export. They will be forced. They would come (and) produce. Why do you have to take your material (away), then you’ll bring it back? We have educated people. We have big financial institutions. It’s not like before. Things have changed.”
Dangote’s remarks highlight a broader push for industrial self-reliance across Africa, particularly in sectors such as energy and petrochemicals, where dependence on imports has long constrained economic growth.
If realised, the proposed refinery project could significantly enhance regional energy security, reduce reliance on imported refined products, and stimulate industrial development across East Africa.
