Zambia has taken a bold step toward energy independence by signing an agreement to build a $1.1 billion crude oil refinery and energy complex.
The new facility, set for Ndola in the Copperbelt region, will process 60,000 barrels of crude oil daily. This capacity promises to meet the entire nation’s current fuel needs, potentially turning Zambia into a regional fuel exporter.
Officials say the refinery will save millions of dollars annually by reducing costly fuel imports. Construction is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2025, with commercial operations slated for 2026.
The agreement was sealed between Zambia’s Industrial Development Corporation and China’s Fujian Xiang Xin Corporation. Crude oil will be imported from the Middle East through the Tanzanian port of Dar es Salaam, an IDC spokesperson confirmed.
Beyond refining, the energy complex will feature facilities for LPG bottling, bitumen production, and lubricant blending. Additionally, a 130-megawatt power plant will be built to support the complex’s energy needs.
This project signals Zambia’s ambition to transform its energy landscape and strengthen its economy. By harnessing imported crude and processing it locally, Zambia aims to boost fuel security and regional trade.
The refinery’s completion could mark a turning point in Southern Africa’s energy supply dynamics. Zambia’s government views this as a vital step toward self-reliance and economic resilience.
The initiative embodies a strategic partnership with China, fostering long-term industrial growth. If successful, this energy complex will reshape Zambia’s fuel industry for decades to come.
