Museveni leads African leaders in backing Dangote’s Ksh.2.2 trillion Lamu refinery

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni led three other heads of state and government in voicing their support for the establishment of the historic Dangote East Africa Oil Refinery Plant by Dangote Group.

The three, Ethiopia's Abiy Ahmed Ali, Togo's Jean-Lucien Savi and Benin's Romuald Wadagni, graced the historic groundbreaking ceremony for the Ksh.2.2 trillion Dangote East Africa Oil Refinery in Lamu County.

During the ceremony, they called upon various actors in the investment sector, including governments, leaders and project-affected persons, to cooperate with investors and provide a conducive working environment to spur economic growth for the continent.

Heaping praise on Nigerian billionaire investor Aliko Dangote, the leaders backed the establishment of the historic oil refinery, terming it a game changer for the region's industrial, manufacturing and economic trajectory.

“I support it, but I have invested in Tanga. I also discussed with Dangote to construct one in Uganda. We can have as many refineries as possible, one in Tanga, Lamu and Uganda. Iran has nine refineries,” said Museveni.

“This project will connect regional markets. It will create opportunities for trade and investment,” Abiy Ahmed added.

On his part, Togo's Savi said, “The Lamu refinery is an impactful project that goes a long way toward reducing Kenya's quantity of imported products. It will create a value chain.”

“Lafarge Africa, which wanted to dominate Africa, is out of Africa today. Let's support our very own investors,” Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo noted.

The heads of state called on governments, leaders and project-affected persons to cooperate fully with investors and provide a conducive working environment that will spur economic growth for the continent through return on investment.

“Dangote would have come a long time ago. I didn't know some people wanted bribes,” Museveni said.

Obasanjo added,  “Let us support fellow Africans who want to bring transformative change on the continent.”

President Ruto particularly received apologies from Rwandan President Paul Kagame and his Tanzanian counterpart Samia Suluhu, who both sent representatives to the event.

 “Kagame has expressed his unwavering support,” said Ruto.