Aliko Dangote, Nigeria’s richest man, launched a $16 billion petroleum refinery and petrochemicals complex in Lamu, Kenya, on Wednesday. The project, set to be completed in 40 months, will have a capacity of 700,000 barrels per day. Kenyan President William Ruto and several other African leaders attended the event.
The refinery will be built with the help of US-based Honeywell Technologies, which will provide engineering services, technology, and equipment. The deal is valued at $300 million. Dangote also announced plans to train over 1,000 local workers, many of whom will come from Lamu.
The project is part of a broader push for industrial self-reliance in Africa. Dangote has previously invested in Nigeria’s oil sector and now aims to expand his influence across East Africa. The refinery is expected to create thousands of jobs and boost regional energy security.
This is not the first time Dangote has drawn attention from African leaders. In 2026, Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, who has close ties to Dangote, was hosted by several African presidents, including Kenya’s William Ruto. The connections highlight the growing influence of private sector leaders in shaping regional economic strategies.
The refinery’s construction marks a significant step in Kenya’s efforts to reduce its dependence on imported oil. It also underscores the role of private investment in driving large-scale infrastructure projects across the continent.
