President Ruto, Dangote Launch East Africa Petroleum and Petrochemicals Zone in Lamu

President Ruto, Dangote Launch East Africa Petroleum and Petrochemicals Zone in Africa-Led Industrialisation Drive

President William Ruto  led African leaders at the groundbreaking of the Dangote East Africa Petroleum and Petrochemicals Special Economic Zone in Mokowe, Lamu County, marking a major step in Kenya’s industrialisation drive and Africa’s efforts to increase value addition and strengthen regional economic integration.

Held under the theme Accelerating Africa’s Industrialisation, the project is designed to process up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day, with the wider petrochemical complex expected to anchor investments in energy, manufacturing, transport, logistics and related industries.
The project is expected to create up to 60,000 direct and indirect jobs, with young people from Lamu, neighbouring counties and across Kenya expected to benefit from training and employment opportunities.
President Ruto described the investment as more than a refinery, saying it would strengthen energy security, industrialisation and regional integration while advancing Africa’s capacity to add value to its natural resources.

“Africa does not lack resources. We do not lack talent. We do not lack enterprise. We do not lack markets,” President Ruto said, noting that the continent must build the capacity to produce, process, finance and trade in ways that create greater value for its people.

He said the project would strengthen Kenya’s position as a regional investment and logistics hub while creating opportunities for jobs, skills development, local businesses and manufacturing.

“This is bigger than a refinery. It is an investment in energy security, industrialisation, and regional integration,” he said.

President Ruto noted that Africa continues to export raw materials while importing finished products, calling for greater value addition on the continent to create industries, skills, employment and incomes.

“Crude oil leaves; refined products return. Cotton leaves; garments return. Cocoa leaves; chocolate returns,” he said.

The President said the project would reinforce the strategic importance of the Lamu Port–South Sudan–Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor, which connects the coast with Kenya’s interior and neighbouring countries.

“But a corridor without commerce is just a road. A port without industry is just a harbour,” he said. “This investment gives both the road and the port a reason to grow.”

He said the refinery would serve as an anchor for an emerging industrial ecosystem, creating opportunities for transporters, engineers, contractors, service providers and manufacturers.

Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries, described the investment as more than a refinery, calling it a new chapter in Africa’s industrial journey built on collaboration among governments, institutions and enterprises.

“Africa cannot build lasting prosperity by exporting what it has and importing what it needs,” Dangote said, pledging to commission the refinery within 40 months.

The project is expected to serve markets in Kenya and the wider Eastern African region, while supporting the growth of transport, engineering, construction, services, petrochemicals and manufacturing.

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Dr Musalia Mudavadi described the investment as an opportunity to advance regional connectivity, trade and shared prosperity.

“Peace is the foundation of economic development. In turn, connectivity, trade and shared prosperity will help secure lasting peace and stability across our region,” said the Prime Cabinet Secretary.

Mudavadi underscored the need for greater African ownership of the continent’s industrial transformation.

“We are united by one conviction: Africa must industrialize Africa,” he said.

The convergence of the Dangote investment, Lamu Port and the wider LAPSSET network positions Lamu as an important gateway linking Kenya to regional and continental markets, while supporting the aspirations of Agenda 2063 for an integrated and industrialised Africa.

The investment is expected to drive further development in Lamu, including plans for a new town on the mainland, expanded water infrastructure and housing to meet the needs of workers, families and businesses attracted by the project.

Lamu’s strategic significance is complemented by its rich cultural heritage. Lamu Old Town, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, reflects centuries of Swahili heritage and the town’s historic role in Indian Ocean trade and cultural exchange.

The groundbreaking ceremony brought together Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, leaders from Benin and Togo, senior government officials, development partners and private-sector representatives.

The project brings together African capital, infrastructure, diplomacy and enterprise, positioning Lamu as a platform for industrial growth, regional connectivity and increased value addition across East Africa.