President William Ruto has said Africa needs to start believing more in its own potential, pointing to Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote and his refinery project as proof that Africans can successfully fund and build mega projects without depending too much on foreign support.
Ruto praised the Dangote Refinery, describing it as a symbol of what Africa can achieve when leaders and investors think boldly. According to him, the project is not just about oil, but about creating jobs, strengthening African economies, and reducing reliance on imported fuel.
He noted that East African countries are now discussing the possibility of building a similar refinery in the region, with Mombasa being considered because of its strategic port and growing fuel market. The project could cost between $15 billion and $17 billion.
Ruto said investments like these would help African nations become more self-reliant, stabilize fuel supply, and protect local economies from global oil price shocks. He emphasized that Africa has the resources, talent, and market needed to drive its own industrial growth if countries work together.
