East African leaders are rallying behind billionaire Aliko Dangote’s plan to build a massive crude oil refinery in Tanga, Tanzania, aiming to slash the continent’s costly dependence on imported fuel. President William Ruto of Kenya and Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni voiced strong political support at a Nairobi summit, signaling a rare moment of regional cooperation. Dangote stated his commitment to delivering the facility within four to five years, mirroring his Nigerian mega-refinery. The Iran war has exposed Africa’s fragile fuel supply chains, making this “joint refinery” a strategic necessity. The continent faces a projected fuel shortfall of 86 million metric tons by 2040, with over 70% of its refined fuel currently imported. Ruto emphasized that the solution lies within Africa’s own resources, not abroad. By integrating oil from Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, and Congo, the refinery could transform energy security, create jobs, and keep billions of dollars on the continent.
IOL
