Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has dismissed opposition to his proposed $16 billion refinery in Kenya, insisting that he and his team are prepared to confront attempts to frustrate the project.
According to Vanguard, Dangote was scheduled to begin construction of the facility at the port of Lamu on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
The proposed refinery is expected to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil daily, making it larger in capacity than any refinery currently operating in Europe.
The project is expected to be completed within 30 to 40 months and would expand Dangote’s investments in Africa’s energy sector.
However, the development has faced legal challenges from a local community over land rights. Although a court ruling published on Monday cleared the way for the groundbreaking ceremony, the broader dispute remains before the courts.
Environmental groups, including Greenpeace, have also raised concerns about the potential impact of the refinery.
The project is planned for Lamu, a major tourist destination recognised for its historic Swahili settlement, which dates back to the 12th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Reacting to the opposition, Dangote said he was not intimidated by the legal proceedings and warned those seeking to disrupt the project.
“We’re not really scared of people taking us to court. Anybody who wants to cause trouble, we are ready for his trouble and will give him a headache.”