Zambia has entered a deal to build a large-scale oil refinery and energy hub in Ndola, within the Copperbelt region.
The facility is designed to handle enough crude oil daily to fully meet local fuel needs and eventually supply nearby countries.
Government officials say the move will help the country cut its spending on imported fuel and keep more revenue within its economy.
Work on the site is expected to begin in the second half of next year, with plans to launch initial operations the following year.
Zambia’s Industrial Development Corporation partnered with China’s Fujian Xiang Xin Corporation to bring the project to life. The crude oil will be shipped in from the Middle East through the Dar es Salaam port in Tanzania, according to IDC representatives.
The complex goes beyond refining and will also feature facilities for LPG filling, bitumen and lubricant production, and a power plant that will strengthen Zambia’s overall energy supply and industrial base.
In addition to this, Zambia has also invested in Angola’s refinery project in Lobito, located along the Atlantic coast in Benguela.
President Hakainde Hichilema earlier revealed the country’s plans to back the Angolan facility, which is still under construction and expected to be operational in the near future.
Once running, the Angolan refinery is expected to process a substantial volume of crude oil daily. Under the current structure, Zambia and other private investors will hold the majority stake, with Angola’s national oil company keeping a minority share.
source:africa.businessinsider.com
African Energy Council