Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu held high-level discussions with Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote on Saturday, May 16, weeks after reports indicated his preference for an oil refinery in Kenya over Tanzania.
During the meeting in Dar es Salaam, Suluhu emphasized Dangote’s significance as a key investor in Tanzania through his cement business in Mtwara, which has created employment opportunities.
“I have met and held discussions with the Founder and Owner of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, together with his delegation,” stated Suluhu.
“Dangote is one of the major investors in Tanzania, where his cement factory in the Mtwara region is enhancing our economy through cement trade and providing jobs for Tanzanians,” she added.
The meeting coincides with regional competition to attract Dangote’s refinery project.
Dangote is currently evaluating the possibility of establishing a large-scale refinery in Kenya, similar to his 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Nigeria, which is currently the world’s largest single-train refinery.
The proposed East African refinery project is estimated to cost between Ksh1.95 trillion and Ksh2.21 trillion, with Dangote expected to finance the majority of the investment.
The facility is reportedly being considered for Mombasa, with Dangote expressing preference for Kenya due to its larger and deeper port infrastructure, as well as Kenya’s higher fuel consumption.
Dangote had initially suggested establishing the oil refinery in Tanga, Tanzania, but later changed his preference to Kenya.
“I’m leaning more towards Mombasa because Mombasa has a much larger, deeper port,” Dangote stated during an interview with the Financial Times on May 10, 2026.
The Tanga proposal only became public last month following President William’s announcement at the Africa We Build Summit in Nairobi.
The Nigerian billionaire has repeatedly warned that Africa risks becoming a ‘dumping ground’ for imported refined petroleum products if governments fail to support local refining and industrial investments.
If established, the refinery would significantly enhance Kenya’s position as a regional petroleum hub and potentially reduce East Africa’s dependence on imported refined fuel products.