LAMU, Kenya — Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has pledged to commission the proposed Dangote East Africa Petroleum Refinery in Lamu within 40 months, saying the project will demonstrate Africa’s capacity to deliver major industrial investments.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, Dangote said the refinery would cost about $16 billion (approximately Sh2.1 trillion) and help reduce East Africa’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
“Lekki proved that it can be done, Lamu must prove that it can be repeated,” Dangote said, referring to his refinery in Nigeria.
“I want to promise you that we will come back and commission this refinery 40 months from today.”
Dangote’s commitment puts the expected commissioning date at roughly early 2030, although the timeline will depend on construction and other project milestones. Reuters also reported that the project is designed to process up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
From Fertiliser Plant To Major Refinery
Dangote said discussions around the Lamu investment initially focused on establishing a fertiliser plant before evolving into the proposed petroleum refinery.
He said preparations for construction were already advancing, with more than 110 pieces of equipment available and another 400 expected within 60 days.
The businessman used the occasion to make a broader case for African industrialisation, arguing that the continent needs to process more of its natural resources locally instead of exporting raw materials and importing finished products.
“Africa cannot build lasting prosperity by exporting what we have and importing what we need,” he said.
The Lamu facility is being positioned as a major regional refinery intended to serve the East African petroleum market.
Kindiki Praises Dangote Investment
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who attended the ceremony, praised Dangote’s investment plans and described the refinery as an example of African-led industrial development.
“Dangote has shown that Africa can do and do it well,” Kindiki said.
The groundbreaking brought together several African leaders and senior government representatives, including Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Benin President Romuald Wadagni and Togo President Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové.
Regional representatives from Burundi, South Sudan, Rwanda and Tanzania also attended the event.
Timamy Defends Project
Lamu Governor Issa Timamy criticised opponents who have moved to court seeking to challenge the project, arguing that the refinery could create employment and economic opportunities for local residents.
“We saw people move to court to stop this project,” Timamy said, urging residents to support the development.
He also cautioned residents against rushing to sell land amid reports of rising property values around the proposed project area.
The refinery has been presented by its proponents as a major investment for Lamu and the wider East African region, with expectations of jobs, industrial activity and increased petroleum-processing capacity.
Land Dispute Remains Before Court
Despite the groundbreaking, the project continues to face a legal challenge over land in the proposed development area.
A group of 133 Chandavai residents has moved to court, claiming ancestral and customary interests in LR No. 13061 in the Hindi/Manda Magogoni area. The residents have raised concerns over land ownership, compensation, displacement and environmental safeguards.
The Malindi Environment and Land Court recently declined to stop the planned groundbreaking but ordered parties to maintain the status quo on the disputed parcel until October 14, 2026, when the application is scheduled for an inter partes hearing.
The order did not expressly halt the groundbreaking ceremony. However, Dangote Group has acknowledged that the court decision could affect some activities at the site even as the launch proceeds.
