Africa’s oil refining sector is undergoing a historic expansion as the continent seeks to reduce dependence on imported refined petroleum products and bolster energy security. Spearheading this transformation is Nigeria’s Dangote Petroleum Refinery, the largest in Africa and one of the most ambitious refinery projects globally.
Dangote Refinery: Africa’s Largest and Rising Global Player
Located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone near Lagos, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery currently operates at a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (bpd). A major upgrade is underway to increase this capacity to 700,000 bpd by the end of 2025. This expansion will elevate Dangote to the sixth-largest refinery in the world, surpassing South Korea’s Onsan Refinery at 669,000 bpd.
This $20 billion refinery has been a game changer for Africa’s downstream oil industry, marking a significant step toward energy self-sufficiency. Since its inauguration, the refinery has exceeded performance expectations, with production rates nearing 610,000 bpd as of August 2025. It currently exports around 37% of its output, notably to the United States, reflecting its strategic significance in global markets.
Other Key African Refineries
While Dangote sets the pace, other refineries across Africa contribute significantly to regional refining capacity:
- Skikda Refinery (Algeria): The continent’s second-largest refinery with a capacity of 356,500 bpd, vital to Algeria’s oil infrastructure.
- Port Harcourt Refinery (Nigeria): A critical Nigerian refinery complex with a combined capacity of about 210,000 bpd.
- SAPREF Refinery (South Africa): Located in Durban, it processes roughly 180,000 bpd and is jointly operated by BP and Shell.
- Alexandria MIDOR Refinery (Egypt): Undergoing expansion to grow its current 160,000 bpd capacity.
- Warri Refinery (Nigeria): Nigeria’s first government-owned refinery producing 125,000 bpd.
- Zawiyah Refinery (Libya): Operating with a capacity of 120,000 bpd and identified as Libya’s second-largest refinery.
These facilities play key roles in satisfying regional fuel demands, reducing import dependency, and stimulating economic growth.
Summary Table: Africa’s Leading Oil Refineries by Capacity (bpd) in 2025
| Refinery Name | Location | Owner/Operator | Capacity (bpd) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dangote Petroleum Refinery | Lagos, Nigeria | Dangote Group | 650,000 (upgrading to 700,000) |
| Skikda Refinery | Algeria | Sonatrach | 356,500 |
| Port Harcourt Refinery | Nigeria | NNPC | 210,000 |
| SAPREF Refinery | Durban, South Africa | BP and Shell | 180,000 |
| Alexandria MIDOR Refinery | Egypt | MIDOR | 160,000 (expanding) |
| Warri Refinery | Nigeria | NNPC | 125,000 |
| Zawiyah Refinery | Libya | NOC | 120,000 |
The Way Forward
Africa’s refining capacity growth is reshaping the continent’s energy outlook. Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery not only dominates in capacity but also sets new operational standards, offering a scalable model for future refineries across Africa. As the continent ramps up its refining capabilities, it advances toward energy autonomy and enhanced participation in the global oil economy, reducing vulnerabilities associated with import reliance.
The continued expansion and modernization of these refineries will be vital in meeting Africa’s increasing energy needs and supporting industrialization in the years ahead.
This article highlights the leading oil refineries shaping Africa’s energy future, with Dangote Petroleum Refinery pivotal to the continent’s refining boom in 2025.
