Kenyan economist David Ndii has given the green light signal to the East African regional oil refinery following talks between Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and businessman Aliko Dangote.
In a statement on May 17, David Ndii has indicated that the East African regional oil refinery project is on course, following high-level discussions between Museveni and Dangote.
Ndii’s remarks came shortly after holding talks with Dangote and Museveni in Uganda on the proposed regional refinery, signaling continued movement on the project.
“EA Refinery is on course,” Ndii said in a statement he shared on his X account along with photos of Ugandan President and Dangote during the talks.
Museveni, Dangote Discuss East Africa Regional Oil Refinery Plan
Museveni, in a statement on May 17, confirmed discussions with industrialist Aliko Dangote on the proposed East African regional oil refinery during a meeting held at Nakasero.
He stated that Uganda has consistently opposed the export of raw materials without value addition, noting that the country delayed oil production to prioritize the establishment of a refinery.
“Today at Nakasero, I met Mr. Aliko Dangote, and we discussed the proposed East African regional refinery. I informed him that from the very beginning, we have always opposed the export of raw materials without value addition,” read the Museveni statement in part.
Also Read: Ruto Gives Greenlight to Dangote’s Proposal on East African Refinery in Mombasa
He said exporting crude oil without refining would not yield sufficient economic or strategic benefit, as value addition allows greater returns from natural resources.
Museveni added that a larger regional refinery aligns with African integration goals and would improve the viability of joint industrial projects across East Africa.
Further, Museveni stated that Uganda supports the regional refinery initiative while continuing to develop its own refinery in Hoima.
“If East Africa works together, such projects become more viable and beneficial to our people. Uganda is ready to support the regional refinery initiative while also continuing with the development of our own refinery in Hoima,” he said.
East Africa Pushes Mega-Regional Oil Refinery Plan Led by Dangote
The proposed East African regional refinery is a large-scale energy project led by the Nigerian, with backing from regional leaders, including Museveni and President William Ruto. The project seeks to strengthen refining capacity and promote value addition across the region.
Also Read: Museveni Reveals Conditions Set for Starlink to Begin Operations in Uganda
The refinery is designed to process crude oil locally, reducing dependence on imported petroleum products, particularly from the Middle East, while improving energy security, industrial growth, and job creation within East Africa.
Capacity plans are modeled after Dangote’s 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Nigeria, with initial output expected at similar levels and potential expansion to over 1 million barrels per day, positioning it among the largest refineries globally.
Tanzania’s Tanga has been widely discussed as a potential location due to its connection to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, while alternative proposals include Kenya’s Mombasa, citing port access and logistical advantages.
The estimated cost of the project ranges between $15 billion and $20 billion, with timelines suggesting completion within four to five years if supported by regional governments and investors.
The refinery would process crude from Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, aiming to supply refined fuels and petrochemicals for regional use while supporting broader economic integration.
