Africa’s oil refining industry has long struggled to keep pace with the continent’s vast crude oil production. For decades, many African nations exported crude oil while importing refined petroleum products due to aging, underperforming, or non-operational refineries.
However, fresh investments, upgrades, and new large-scale projects are reshaping the sector. Several countries are now boosting domestic refining capacity to reduce fuel imports, strengthen energy security, and support economic growth.
Below are five major operational refineries in Africa as of 2026 playing a critical role in meeting regional and domestic fuel demand.
1. Dangote Petroleum Refinery — Nigeria
Location: Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos, Nigeria
Capacity: Approximately 650,000 barrels per day
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery stands as Africa’s largest refinery and one of the biggest single-train refineries in the world. Located in Lagos, the privately owned facility processes a wide range of petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, and other refined outputs.
With a refining capacity of about 650,000 barrels per day, the refinery is positioned to significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependence on fuel imports while also supplying export markets across Africa and beyond. Its scale and output make it a transformative project for the continent’s downstream oil sector.
2. Skikda Refinery — Algeria
Location: Skikda, Algeria
Capacity: Approximately 350,000 barrels per day
The Skikda Refinery is one of North Africa’s largest and most established refining complexes. With a capacity of around 350,000 barrels per day, the facility plays a vital role in Algeria’s energy infrastructure.
It supplies refined petroleum products for domestic consumption while also supporting exports to international markets, reinforcing Algeria’s position as a key energy player in the Mediterranean region.
3. SAPREF Refinery — South Africa
Location: Durban, South Africa
Capacity: Approximately 180,000 barrels per day
Located in Durban, the SAPREF Refinery has historically been the largest crude oil refinery in southern Africa. Operated as a joint venture between global energy majors BP and Shell, the facility has been a cornerstone of South Africa’s fuel supply chain.
With a capacity of roughly 180,000 barrels per day, SAPREF has been instrumental in supplying transport fuels and other refined products to both domestic and regional markets.
4. Alexandria MIDOR Refinery — Egypt
Location: Alexandria, Egypt
Capacity: Approximately 160,000 barrels per day (post-expansion)
Egypt’s Alexandria MIDOR Refinery is a key component of the country’s refining strategy. Following expansion projects aimed at increasing throughput and efficiency, the refinery now processes about 160,000 barrels per day.
It produces a range of petroleum products primarily for Egypt’s domestic market, while also supporting regional fuel distribution.
5. Cairo Mostorod Refinery — Egypt
Location: Mostorod, Cairo, Egypt
Capacity: Approximately 140,000 barrels per day
Operated by the Egyptian Refining Company, the Cairo Mostorod Refinery is one of Egypt’s modern refining facilities. With a processing capacity of about 140,000 barrels per day, the refinery plays a crucial role in meeting the country’s fuel demand.
The facility supports Egypt’s broader objective of reducing refined product imports and strengthening its downstream petroleum sector.
