Amanze Chinonye
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has disclosed details of a meeting with African business mogul Aliko Dangote over plans for a proposed East African regional refinery aimed at boosting value addition and regional economic integration, Prime Business Africa reports.
Museveni, who met Dangote on Sunday, May 17, 2026 in Nakasero, said the discussions centred on the need for African countries to stop exporting raw materials without processing them locally.
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According to the Ugandan leader, his administration had from the outset opposed the export of crude oil without domestic refining, a position that informed Uganda’s decision to delay oil production until plans for a refinery were put in place.
“We have always opposed the export of raw materials without value addition,” Museveni said, stressing that exporting crude oil without refining it locally would neither make economic nor strategic sense for Uganda and the wider region.
The Ugandan president welcomed the idea of a larger regional refinery, noting that stronger collaboration among East African countries would make such investments more sustainable and beneficial to citizens across the region.
He said the initiative aligns with Uganda’s broader vision of African integration and shared prosperity, adding that fragmented markets continue to weaken the continent’s economic potential.
Museveni further stated that Uganda is prepared to support the regional refinery project while simultaneously advancing the development of its own refinery in Hoima.
The proposed regional refinery is expected to deepen energy cooperation within East Africa and could potentially strengthen local refining capacity, reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, and create additional industrial opportunities across the region.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
