Major Boost for Intra-African Trade: Ghana to Import Petroleum from Nigeria's Dangote Mega-Refinery

 

This development builds on earlier expressions of interest from Ghana. In late 2024, Ghana's National Petroleum Authority chairman indicated that once the refinery reaches full capacity (650,000 barrels per day), Ghana could shift imports from expensive European sources (like Rotterdam) to Nigeria. This would reduce costs by cutting freight expenses and potentially lower fuel prices regionally.

The Dangote Refinery, Africa's largest single-train facility, is operating at around 85% capacity as of early 2026 and has excess production beyond Nigeria's domestic needs. It produces high-quality, Euro-standard fuels and has already exported products to neighboring countries, including Ghana (mentioned in refinery statements about regional supplies). While earlier flows were more about Ghana supplying crude (e.g., Sankofa grade shipments to Dangote in 2025), this commitment marks a reverse flow for refined products.

This aligns with broader intra-African trade goals, reducing reliance on distant imports, stabilizing supply, and supporting economic ties in West Africa.