Aliko Dangote, Africa's richest man and chairman of Dangote Group, has announced plans to build a new oil refinery in Mombasa, Kenya, according to reports from early 2026. This follows the successful launch of his 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Refinery in Nigeria, which began operations in 2024 and is the largest single-train refinery in the world.
The proposed Mombasa refinery is part of Dangote's strategy to expand his energy footprint across Africa. The project aims to address fuel shortages and reduce reliance on imported refined petroleum products in East Africa. Kenya currently imports most of its refined oil, making it vulnerable to global price fluctuations.
Kenyan government officials have expressed support for the project, citing potential economic benefits including job creation and improved energy security. The exact capacity and timeline for the Mombasa refinery have not been officially confirmed, but Dangote's track record with the Nigerian refinery suggests a large-scale investment.
This move could reshape the regional oil market, as East Africa has limited refining capacity. The Dangote Refinery in Nigeria has already begun supplying refined products to other African countries, and the Mombasa project could further integrate African energy markets.
