NAIROBI — Somalian-Kenyan lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi has sparked discussion over Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote’s reported plans to establish a second oil refinery in Kenya’s coastal county of Lamu, suggesting the project could be strategically positioned for future crude oil supplies from Somalia.
In a post on X, Ahmednasir questioned why Dangote selected Lamu over Tanzania’s Tanga as the possible location for the refinery, asking whether the decision was influenced by Somalia’s emerging offshore oil prospects.
“In picking Lamu over Tanga for his second oil refinery, is Dangote eyeing crude oil from Somalia?” Ahmednasir wrote.
The remarks come as Somalia continues to attract international attention for its offshore hydrocarbon potential. Although the country has not yet started commercial oil production, several international energy companies have shown interest in exploring Somalia’s offshore blocks, with officials expressing optimism that future discoveries could transform the economy.
Lamu’s strategic position along the Indian Ocean has increased its importance as a potential regional energy and trade hub. Analysts say that if Somalia discovers commercially viable oil reserves and develops export infrastructure, coastal facilities in the region could play a role in transporting and processing crude oil.
However, Dangote has not publicly stated that the proposed refinery is intended to process Somali crude oil, and there is currently no official confirmation linking the project directly to Somalia’s oil resources.
Ahmednasir also praised Kenyan President William Ruto’s investment policies, arguing that Kenya had previously missed opportunities to attract major foreign investors.
He claimed that earlier administrations created obstacles for large-scale investments through corruption and unofficial demands, saying Dangote was unwilling to invest billions of dollars while facing such conditions.
“Dangote always wanted to invest in Kenya in a major way,” Ahmednasir wrote, crediting President Ruto for creating a more attractive investment environment.
Dangote, one of Africa’s leading industrialists, has made major investments across the continent in sectors including manufacturing, cement, and energy. His potential refinery project in Lamu is viewed as part of broader efforts to expand Africa’s energy infrastructure.
As Somalia continues exploring its offshore resources, the country’s possible emergence as an oil producer could reshape energy and trade dynamics across the Horn of Africa.
