Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has proposed leading the construction of a major oil refinery in Tanzania as part of a wider plan to strengthen energy security across East Africa, according to discussions involving regional leaders.

The project, which is still at a preliminary stage, is being considered by several East African nations including Kenya and Tanzania, with the possibility of future participation by other regional states. It aims to reduce the region’s heavy reliance on imported refined petroleum products by developing local refining capacity.

Dangote, who recently commissioned the massive Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Nigeria, is reportedly seeking to replicate the model in East Africa. The Nigerian facility, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is one of the largest single-train refineries in the world and has been positioned as a benchmark for industrial-scale energy infrastructure on the continent.

According to officials involved in the discussions, Tanzania’s port city of Tanga is being considered as a potential site for the refinery, due to its strategic coastal access and connectivity to inland markets across East Africa.

Kenyan President William Ruto confirmed that regional consultations are ongoing, describing the proposal as part of broader efforts to build integrated energy infrastructure that could stabilize fuel prices and improve supply security across the region.

If implemented, the project would mark one of the most significant private-sector-led energy investments in East Africa, further expanding Dangote’s growing influence in Africa’s energy landscape.

No final agreement has been announced, and financing, regulatory approvals, and intergovernmental coordination remain key hurdles before the project can proceed.