Zambia is taking a major step toward energy independence with the announcement of a new $1.1 billion oil refinery in Ndola, a city in the country’s industrial heartland. The project aims to meet domestic demand for refined petroleum products and establish export channels across the Southern African Development Community (SADC). If realized, it could reshape the nation’s economic landscape.
However, key details are still missing. The government has not provided a timeline, technical specifications, or clear financing plans, leaving investors and analysts cautiously optimistic.
An Economic Engine—If It Materializes
Ndola previously housed a refinery that was shut down in 2020 due to outdated infrastructure. Reviving the site promises to reduce Zambia’s reliance on fuel imports and bolster local industry, but experts point to financial volatility and rising debt levels as major hurdles.
If successful, the project could generate thousands of jobs, stimulate logistics and infrastructure, and improve the country’s trade balance. That said, its execution will require strong technical partnerships, transparent governance, and a long-term energy strategy.
Eyeing Regional Influence
Regionally, the refinery could position Zambia as a strategic fuel supplier to landlocked neighbors like Malawi, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The move echoes a broader trend across Africa: refining resources locally to retain more economic value and curb currency outflows.
But the question remains—can Zambia deliver on this promise? Without concrete steps, the Ndola refinery risks becoming another high-profile project stuck in development limbo.