Dangote-backed Lamu Oil Refinery set to begin construction in October 2026
Billionaire Aliko Dangote has announced that construction on a massive oil refinery in Lamu, Kenya, is set to begin in October 2026. The project, estimated to cost $16 billion, aims to serve energy needs across East Africa with a processing capacity of 700,000 barrels per day.
Why it matters
This facility represents a significant infrastructure investment that could reshape energy security and economic integration across the East African region.
Dangote said the refinery will serve Kenya and other countries across East Africa, with the project expected to take less than four years to complete once construction begins.
“The plans for the refinery have gone very far with Kenya because what we are trying to do is to make sure that in most African countries we make them sufficient in their own energy needs,” Dangote told the BBC.
He said preparations for its construction are in an advanced stage, with the ground-breaking of the project set to take place no later than October, marking the beginning of construction of the massive facility.
"By October this year, we will be groundbreaking. Once we break the ground, we will begin the construction,” Dangote said.
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