President João Lourenço Highlights Cabinda Refinery as Key to Angola’s Energy Independence and Export Potential
President João Lourenço stated on Monday, during the inauguration of the Cabinda Refinery, that Angola is on track to achieve self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products with the completion of the Soyo and Lobito refineries, despite some challenges faced by the Soyo project.
Speaking to journalists after the ceremony, the President emphasized that the Cabinda refinery, with an installed capacity of 60,000 barrels per day (initially processing 30,000 barrels), is part of a broader strategy that includes the Soyo refinery in Zaire province and the Lobito refinery in Benguela province.
“The construction of the Soyo refinery has not been abandoned; we are working with investors to overcome existing constraints.
Together with the Lobito refinery, these projects will bring Angola the long-awaited self-sufficiency in refined products,” President Lourenço said.
The Cabinda Refinery, a partnership between Gemcorp Angola (90%) and state-owned Sonangol (10%), is located in Malembo, Tando-Zinze municipality, approximately 30 kilometers from Cabinda city.
It will produce diesel, jet fuel, fuel oil, and naphtha, ensuring domestic supply, reducing import dependence, and creating potential surpluses for export.
With a total investment of US$473 million, including US$335 million in international financing, the refinery has already created 3,300 direct jobs.
The President also highlighted that Angola could export refined products, particularly to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), emphasizing legitimate trade rather than informal fuel trafficking.
President Lourenço recalled that the government approved tax incentives for Gemcorp in 2021 to encourage investment in the refining sector and is considering additional incentives for the Lobito refinery.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the President toured the facility, which is already beginning its second phase of construction, and received briefings on its operations.
The inauguration marks the highlight of President Lourenço’s two-day visit to Cabinda, which also includes a tour of the Caio Deepwater Port, the inauguration of the new provincial government headquarters, and participation in a local government meeting scheduled for Tuesday.
“This refinery is a strategic milestone for Angola, strengthening our energy security, generating jobs, and reinforcing the country’s ability to transform its natural resources locally,” President Lourenço concluded.
