Aliko Dangote says he may build a $17 billion oil refinery in Kenya, signalling a major East African investment push after uncertainty over an earlier Tanzania plan.
Dangote Picks Kenya Over Tanzania
The Nigerian billionaire said he now leans toward Mombasa, Kenya, instead of Tanzania.
According to him, Mombasa has a larger and deeper seaport, making it more suitable for a mega refinery project.
Furthermore, Dangote said Kenya offers a bigger economy and stronger fuel demand than Tanzania.
He estimated the refinery would cost between $15 billion and $17 billion.
Ruto Holds Key Decision
Dangote made it clear that Kenya’s President William Ruto now holds the key to the project.
“The ball is in the hands of President Ruto,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dangote said he would need land, regional financing, and strong market protection before construction starts.
He warned that cheap imported fuel from countries like Russia and India could kill the project without government backing.
Consequently, he said no refinery can survive without such protection.
Tanzania Row Adds Drama
The proposed move comes after Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan reportedly complained that officials did not consult her over the earlier Tanzania refinery plan.
That earlier proposal focused on Tanga, where Uganda’s crude pipeline is expected to terminate.
However, Dangote said crude can move by ship, meaning the refinery does not need to sit beside the pipeline.
He also said Tanzania could still host the project if leaders “sort themselves out.”
Dangote Refinery Changes Nigeria Story
The East Africa plan follows the growing success of Dangote’s Lagos refinery.
The 650,000 barrels-per-day facility, the world’s biggest single-train refinery, has reached full capacity.
Meanwhile, many countries have struggled to access petrol, diesel, and jet fuel as global shipping pressure affects supply routes.
Consequently, Nigeria has avoided the long fuel queues that once defined the local market.
Unlike some African countries that rationed fuel or diluted products, Nigeria has stayed relatively stable.
Global Power Play Begins
Dangote also revealed plans to expand the Lagos refinery to 1.4 million barrels per day.
If achieved, the refinery would rival India’s Reliance Industries and equal about 10 per cent of total US refining capacity.
“We’ll be price movers in the market,” Dangote said.
Furthermore, he urged Africans to invest boldly in their own continent, asking: “If we don’t, who else will?”
Why This Matters
If Kenya approves the project, Dangote could reshape fuel supply across East Africa just as he has started doing in West Africa.
That would place one African businessman at the centre of two major energy markets.
