Tanzanian businessman Mohammed Dewji, president of MeTL Group, says he is willing to invest $100 million in Aliko Dangote’s proposed refinery project for East Africa. Multiple reports link the offer to a Bloomberg report and note that Dewji has discussed the plan directly with Dangote. While Dewji reportedly would prefer the refinery to be built in Tanzania, he says he is still prepared to co-invest if the project is sited in Kenya.
The proposed refinery is described as part of Dangote Group’s expansion of refining activities beyond Nigeria. Sources state the project is expected to be a major undertaking, with a reported cost of about $17 billion and an estimated five-year construction timeline if it proceeds. The Kenyan refinery is expected to support regional fuel supply, reduce reliance on imported refined petroleum products, and strengthen energy integration in East Africa.
Dangote Group’s existing operations include the 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos, which began commercial production in 2024. Reports also say Dangote has previously indicated an intention to replicate the refinery model across East Africa with support from governments in the region.
