5 largest refineries in Africa

Africa’s oil refining sector is undergoing a major transformation. For decades, the continent exported crude oil but imported most of its refined fuel. Today, that story is changing as several large and modern refineries boost local production and reduce dependence on imports. These facilities not only strengthen energy security but also create jobs and drive industrial growth.

 Dangote Petroleum Refinery which is the largest refinery in Africa and one of the most advanced single-train refineries globally, also aims to expand  its capacity from around 650,000 bps to 1.4 million bdp. 

In this article, Tribune Online highlights the 5 largest refineries in Africa.

1. Dangote Petroleum Refinery (Nigeria)

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery is the largest  refinery in Africa. Built by the Dangote Group, the $20 billion facility has a refining capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, making it the largest single-train refinery in the world. Commissioned in 2024, it is designed to transform Nigeria from a net importer of fuel to a major exporter across Africa.

2. Skikda Refinery (Skikda, Algeria)

Operated by Sonatrach, the Skikda Refinery is North Africa’s largest refining complex, with a capacity  of approximately 350,000 barrels per day. Strategically located on Algeria’s Mediterranean coast, it supplies domestic fuel demand and supports export operations to Europe. Despite previous challenges, continuous upgrades have kept it at the forefront of African refining.

3. Port Harcourt Refining Company (Rivers State, Nigeria)

The Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) is Nigeria’s largest government-owned refinery complex, consisting of two plants with a combined capacity  of 210,000 barrels per day. It has been undergoing major rehabilitation led by Tecnimont of Italy, aimed at restoring full operations and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on fuel imports.

4. MIDOR Refinery (Alexandria, Egypt)

The Middle East Oil Refinery (MIDOR), located near Alexandria, is one of Egypt’s most advanced and efficient refineries. After its recent expansion, the refinery’s capacity reached approximately  160,000 barrels per day. It plays a crucial role in Egypt’s downstream operations and export of refined products to regional markets.

5. Mostorod Refinery (Cairo, Egypt)

Operated by the Egyptian Refining Company, the Mostorod Refinery is one of Africa’s newest and most modern facilities. It has a capacity of  around 140,000 barrels per day and significantly contributes to reducing Egypt’s dependence on imported petroleum products. Its construction was part of a wider plan to modernize Egypt’s energy infrastructure.

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