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Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Group and Africa’s richest man, has outlined ambitious plans to expand the reach of his continent-transforming refinery beyond Nigeria. The Dangote Refinery, boasting a world-beating 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) capacity, aims to become a major exporter of refined products across Africa, with a potential reach as far as Brazil.
From domestic champion to regional powerhouse
Speaking at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, Dangote detailed the refinery’s ability to produce a wide range of refined products, including gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel. This capacity not only satisfies Nigeria’s domestic needs but positions the refinery as a key player in African and global markets.
“We started producing jet fuel, we are producing diesel, by next month, we’ll be producing gasoline,’’ Dangote stated. “Our capacity is too big for Nigeria. It will be able to supply West Africa, Central Africa, and also Southern Africa.”
Strategic partnership with TotalEnergies secures crude supply
The refinery’s advanced technology allows it to process a diverse range of crude oils, ensuring a stable supply of refined products across multiple regions. The next phase of expansion is slated for early 2025, further bolstering its output and distribution networks.
Patrick Pouyanne, CEO of TotalEnergies, a major crude producer in Nigeria alongside Shell and ExxonMobil, confirmed a pivotal supply agreement with Dangote Refinery, securing crude oil deliveries to the $20-billion complex. “We met with Dangote and their trading head, and we found a way to solidify a deal,” Pouyanne remarked, highlighting the strategic partnership. This agreement underscores the refinery’s critical role in the region’s energy ecosystem.
Dangote Petrochemical Complex: A hub of industrial advancement
Located on the outskirts of Lagos, the Dangote Petrochemical Complex is a significant leap forward for Nigerian industrial development. Beyond its refining capabilities, the complex houses a 1-million-metric-tonne-per-year polypropylene plant and two of the largest fertilizer trains in Africa, boasting a combined annual capacity of 3 million tonnes of urea.
The Dangote Oil Refinery prioritizes environmental responsibility. It implements a closed-loop process water system, generates 50MW of power from waste heat, and produces cleaner Euro-V standard fuels. Additionally, the refinery utilizes advanced carbon capture technologies to minimize CO2 emissions and mitigate the environmental impact of crude oil transportation.
The $20.5 billion Dangote Oil Refinery has begun supplying petroleum products to the domestic market. Additionally, a recent tender for 24 million barrels of U.S. crude oil over the next year signals the refinery’s intent to become a significant player in global crude and fuel markets.
