Africa should reduce its reliance on distant fuel imports and prioritise domestic refining capacity, according to the Dangote Group.
In a post shared on Wednesday on X, the company said the continent’s current model of sourcing refined petroleum products from overseas is “fragile” and unsustainable for long-term energy security.
The statement underscores a growing argument among policymakers and industry players that Africa’s dependence on imported refined fuel exposes its economies to global supply disruptions, volatile pricing, and logistical bottlenecks.
By contrast, expanding local refining capacity could stabilise supply, reduce costs linked to shipping and foreign exchange, and strengthen industrial development across the region.
The position aligns with ongoing efforts by the Dangote Refinery, one of Africa’s largest refining projects, which aims to meet domestic demand and potentially export refined products to other African markets.
Analysts say the call reflects a broader shift toward self-sufficiency in critical sectors, particularly energy, where infrastructure gaps have long constrained growth.
The message adds to increasing momentum around local production as a strategic response to global economic uncertainties and supply chain risks.
