Botswana in Talks to Join Angola’s $6.2B Lobito Refinery Project to Boost African Fuel Production Capacity
Botswana is exploring a potential partnership with Angola to participate in the Lobito Refinery project in Benguela Province, signaling growing regional interest in one of Southern Africa’s largest energy infrastructure developments.
Botswana’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Bogolo Kenewendo, said the refinery is not only important for Angola but also for the wider region and the African continent.
She made the remarks during a visit to the construction site alongside Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, Diamantino Pedro Azevedo.
Regional cooperation under discussion
Kenewendo said technical discussions between the two governments are progressing, with several cooperation protocols already signed and information exchange underway.
She noted that both sides are currently assessing technical details to determine Botswana’s possible role in the project.
The minister added that the refinery could strengthen Africa’s fuel production capacity, improve energy self-sufficiency, and potentially support exports to global markets, drawing comparisons to Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery.
Angola welcomes regional investment
Angolan officials reiterated that the Lobito Refinery is open to investment from Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states, highlighting the project’s role in advancing regional integration.
Authorities also confirmed that the project remains on track for completion in 2029, with no major delays anticipated.
Project progress and financing
According to official updates, construction of the refinery has reached approximately 25% physical completion, while financial execution stands at around 34%, indicating steady progress.
The project is fully financed by Sonangol, Angola’s national oil company, which has invested approximately $1.5 billion so far. The total project cost is estimated at $6.2 billion, according to company figures.
Sonangol’s leadership said funding commitments have ensured stable progress and continued development of key project components.
Production capacity and timeline
Once completed, the Lobito Refinery is expected to process up to 200,000 barrels of crude oil per day, producing a range of refined petroleum products.
The facility is projected to begin operations in December 2027, following the completion of core units and a commissioning and testing phase.
Officials described the recent visit as part of broader efforts to assess potential strategic partnerships in oil refining and strengthen regional energy cooperation across Southern Africa.
