Senegal has announced plans to begin construction of a new refinery in 2026, with estimated costs between $2 and $5 billion. The project is led by the national refining company Société Africaine de Raffinage (SAR), which has already received expressions of interest from investors in China, Turkey, and South Korea.

The move aims to strengthen Senegal’s refining capacity, reduce dependence on imported fuels, and support the country’s growing energy demand. Currently, Senegal relies heavily on imports to meet domestic consumption, which makes the economy vulnerable to global price swings and supply disruptions.

By establishing this new refinery, Senegal is positioning itself as a future refining hub in West Africa. The government has highlighted the project as a strategic step toward achieving energy independence and improving regional fuel supply security.

If realized, the refinery will mark one of the largest downstream infrastructure investments in Africa in recent years, creating opportunities for local employment and supporting industrial growth. The decision aligns with a broader regional trend where African nations are investing in refining assets to capture more value from their crude resource