Dangote Industries Limited has announced plans to expand its refining operations to a combined capacity of 2.1 million barrels per day in Nigeria and Kenya as part of a broader strategy to strengthen industrial development across Africa.

The company disclosed the plan during a visit by officials of the Republic of the Congo’s national oil company, Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC), to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos.

According to the Group Vice President for Oil and Gas, Devakumar Edwin, the planned expansion will increase the company’s refining capacity in Nigeria to 1.4 million barrels per day, while a proposed 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Kenya will serve markets in East Africa.

Edwin also revealed that the group intends to invest an additional $46bn between 2026 and 2028 in its refining, cement and fertiliser businesses to support industrial growth across the continent.

The meeting with the Congolese delegation focused on a possible long-term partnership between SNPC and Dangote Petroleum Refinery aimed at improving the supply of refined petroleum products to the Republic of the Congo while promoting regional energy cooperation.

Speaking during the visit, SNPC Managing Director Maixent Raoul Ominga described the Lagos refinery as a landmark industrial project for Africa and expressed interest in building a strategic relationship with Dangote Industries.

He said discussions covered potential collaboration in refining, fuel supply, energy security, industrial development and technical knowledge exchange. Ominga also praised the group’s investments in the Republic of the Congo, particularly in the cement sector, noting that they have helped expand local production and strengthen industrial capacity.

President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to driving Africa’s industrialisation through investments and partnerships across the continent.

He said the refinery produces petroleum products that meet international quality standards, helping improve access to cleaner fuels while reducing Africa’s dependence on imported refined products.

The company said the engagement reflects a shared commitment by both organisations to deepen regional energy cooperation, strengthen African value chains and enhance self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products.