Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote, has confirmed plans to build a 700,000-barrels-per-day oil refinery in Lamu, Kenya.The project, similar to his Nigerian refinery, will take about 30 months to complete.While Tanzania and Mombasa were previously considered, Lamu has been selected.Dangote's team highlighted commercial and technical reasons for the choice, inviting Tanzania to participate.However, challenges remain, including sourcing oil from nearby countries like Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda, and securing financing.

Kenya's president mentioned processing oil from these regions, but logistical issues like pipeline delays and foreign control of infrastructure complicate matters.Analysts note the project's scale and the need for multiple stakeholders to align.Despite potential hurdles, Dangote's credibility and the region's demand for refining capacity make the project viable.