Botswana Reviews Stake in Regional Oil Hub as Lobito Refinery Plans Progress

Botswana Reviews Stake in Regional Oil Hub as Lobito Refinery Plans Progress. Botswana is evaluating how it could participate in the Lobito Refinery Project, a multi-billion pula development underway in Angola, as government officials weigh options around investment and long-term energy strategy.

Minister of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Joy Kenewendo confirmed that discussions are ongoing regarding the country’s potential role in the project, which is being developed by Sonangol. The refinery, valued at approximately $6.6 billion, is designed to process up to 200,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

Located in Angola’s Benguela Province, the Lobito Refinery is intended to strengthen regional fuel production capacity, reduce reliance on imported petroleum products, and support supply across the Southern African Development Community region. Botswana is among the countries that have expressed interest, with considerations reportedly including a possible equity stake.

Kenewendo recently visited Angola at the invitation of Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas Diamantino Pedro Azevedo. The visit included engagements between the two governments and a tour of the refinery project, which is currently under development.

According to Kenewendo, the visit provided Botswana with an opportunity to better understand emerging energy corridors and assess how the country could position itself within evolving regional supply systems. She indicated that Botswana is exploring different forms of participation, including access arrangements, equity involvement, or other partnership models as discussions continue.

The refinery is expected to play a significant role in shaping how fuel is produced and distributed across the region. Botswana’s involvement, if formalized, would reflect a broader shift toward deeper regional collaboration in energy infrastructure and supply networks.