Three African refinery projects to watch in 2026

Three refinery projects in Kenya, Angola and Uganda are at different stages of development as African countries push to increase local fuel production and cut dependence on imported petroleum products. The plans range from a 700,000 barrel per day facility in Lamu, Kenya, to a 60,000 barrel per day plant in Hoima, Uganda.

If delivered, the facilities could improve domestic fuel supplies, create jobs and support economic growth. Here are the three projects to watch in 2026.

Dangote East Africa Refinery, Lamu, Kenya

Kenya is preparing to host a major refinery project in Lamu, expected to serve the domestic market and other parts of East Africa. The project, associated with Dangote Industries, is designed to process up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil daily. That could make it one of the largest refining facilities on the continent.

Project details put the groundbreaking ceremony on September 30, 2026, with construction expected to take about 40 months. The refinery could expand East Africa's refining capacity and reduce the region's dependence on imported petroleum products once completed. It could also support industrial development and strengthen regional fuel supply chains.

Lobito Refinery, Angola

Angola is advancing the Lobito refinery as part of efforts to increase domestic fuel production and reduce reliance on imported petroleum products. The proposed facility is designed to process crude oil into petrol, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and aviation fuel.

Construction was reported to be ongoing in 2026, with completion targeted for 2029. Once operational, the refinery is expected to strengthen Angola's domestic fuel supply and improve its ability to process crude oil locally. The project could also support the petroleum industry through investment, employment and related businesses.

Hoima Oil Refinery, Uganda

Uganda's proposed oil refinery in Hoima is a key part of its strategy to develop a domestic petroleum industry and derive greater economic benefits from its crude oil resources. The facility is intended to process locally sourced crude oil into refined petroleum products for domestic consumption, with the possibility of supplying neighbouring countries.

The project remains under development. Its eventual completion could help Uganda reduce dependence on imported fuel, support industrial growth, create employment opportunities and strengthen the country's position in the regional petroleum market.

For consumers and businesses across the region, the projects could mean better domestic fuel supplies if they are delivered. For Nigerian companies, the Dangote-linked Lamu plan points to possible East African supply chain opportunities.