…Zambia Seeks Dangote’s Investment to Transform Its Energy Sector
Vice President, Oil and Gas, Dangote Industries Limite, Devakumar Edwin; President/CE, Dangote Industries Limited; Minister of Energy, Zambia, Makozo Chikote and his team during visit to Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos on Saturday, February 22, 2025
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reinforced Nigeria’s fuel security with an unprecedented stockpile of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, valued at over N600 billion. President of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote, made this revelation during a recent inspection of the refinery, emphasizing that the facility is equipped to fully cater to Nigeria’s petroleum demands.
Speaking at the event, Dangote disclosed: “At present, we have more than half a billion litres of petrol in storage. Our refinery is consistently producing refined products, including gasoline, diesel, and kerosene, sufficient to meet 100 percent of Nigeria’s consumption needs.”
Dangote further underscored the refinery’s strategic role beyond Nigeria, highlighting its contribution to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). “This refinery is not just for Nigeria—it is for Africa. We are committed to promoting intra-African trade, ensuring that we work with other nations to strengthen the continent’s energy independence,” he stated.
Zambia Eyes Dangote for Energy Collaboration
The announcement coincided with a high-profile visit from Zambia’s Minister of Energy, Mr. Makozo Chikote, who led a government delegation to explore potential partnerships with Dangote Industries Limited. Following a comprehensive tour of the Ibeju-Lekki Free Trade Zone, which houses the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery—the largest single-train refinery in the world—Chikote commended Dangote’s commitment to Africa’s energy security.
“We have witnessed firsthand what an ambitious and transformative project looks like,” Chikote said. “Dangote is looking at the bigger picture for Africa, and this is precisely the kind of strategic thinking we need to address our energy challenges.”
The Zambian government, which relies entirely on the private sector for its petroleum supply, is keen on leveraging Dangote’s expertise to enhance its domestic energy sector. “We are focused on increasing productivity across mining, agriculture, and other industries. Partnering with Dangote will introduce efficiency, reliability, and competitive pricing, and we need this as soon as possible,” the Minister added.
Private Sector as the Engine of Africa’s Growth
Accompanying the Zambian delegation was Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo, Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, World Bank, who is also a candidate for the African Development Bank (AfDB) presidency. Maimbo emphasized the critical role of private-sector investments in Africa’s development, stating, “There is not enough government funding or international aid to drive Africa’s economic growth at the necessary pace and scale. The private sector must lead the charge.”
Refinery’s Impact on Nigeria and Africa
Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Mr. Edwin Devakumar, provided insights into the refinery’s operational capabilities. He noted that while 44 percent of the refinery’s production meets Nigeria’s domestic fuel requirements, the remaining 56 percent is earmarked for export.
“The refinery produces 104 million litres of light products daily, including 57 million litres of petrol, 20 million litres of jet fuel, and 27 million litres of diesel. With Nigeria’s daily petrol consumption at approximately 46 million litres, we have a surplus of 58 million litres available for export,” Devakumar stated.
He further emphasized the refinery’s cutting-edge technology and strategic approach to value addition. “Our goal is maximum value extraction—every barrel of crude processed must deliver the highest possible value,” he added.
Strengthening Africa’s Energy Future
Dangote’s vision aligns with Africa’s broader economic agenda, as nations seek to reduce dependency on foreign energy imports. Zambia’s interest in collaborating with Dangote underscores the refinery’s potential to revolutionize fuel supply chains across the continent.
Minister Chikote concluded the visit with a call for strengthened intra-African trade. “What we have seen at Dangote Refinery proves that Africa can stand on its own. We must prioritize local solutions and partnerships that drive sustainable development and energy security.”
As the refinery continues to scale production, its impact extends far beyond Nigeria, positioning Dangote Industries Limited as a formidable force in Africa’s quest for energy self-sufficiency.
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