Dangote confirmed the date on Thursday, September 3, while speaking to investors and analysts during a visit to Botswana.
“We are launching it on September 30,” Dangote said, according to Reuters.
Kenya Set for Major Energy Investment
The planned facility represents a proposed investment of about KSh2.59 trillion ($20 billion) and is expected to serve several markets across East Africa.
The project could transform Lamu into a major regional energy and industrial hub once completed.
President William Ruto's economic adviser David Ndii has previously said East African countries could provide more than 600,000 barrels of crude oil per day to support the refinery.
South Sudan could supply about 350,000 barrels daily, while Uganda could provide 250,000 barrels and Kenya about 120,000 barrels, according to Ndii.
Kenya Offered Stake in Refinery
Dangote has offered East African countries a combined 30 per cent equity stake in the refinery and petrochemical project.
Kenya has been offered a 10 per cent share valued at approximately KSh64.74 billion ($500 million).
Ethiopia and Rwanda have also shown interest in participating in the regional stake. Their involvement could take the combined East African share to 30 per cent, worth about KSh194.21 billion ($1.5 billion).
Lamu Industrial Hub Planned
Kenya also plans to develop additional infrastructure around the refinery.
The wider industrial complex is expected to include a 1,000-megawatt power plant and a special economic zone.
The government hopes the development will attract manufacturing, storage and logistics businesses while expanding economic activity in Lamu County.
Refinery Expected to Create Jobs
President Ruto has previously said the refinery and associated projects could generate about 60,000 jobs.
Construction is expected to commence in October 2026, with the refinery projected to take up to three years to complete.
The September 30 groundbreaking will therefore mark a major step toward establishing what could become one of the region's largest energy and industrial projects.
