Zambia has approved a US$1.1 billion crude oil refinery in Ndola after the Zambia Development Agency issued an investment licence to China Zambia Petrochemical Energy Corporation Limited, marking one of the country’s largest industrial developments in recent years.
ZDA Director General Albert Halwampa confirmed the approval, stating that the new refinery will process 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day — enough to fully meet Zambia’s current fuel demand.
The crude oil will be sourced from the Middle East and transported through Tanzania, a development that is expected to strengthen the country’s fuel supply chain.
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Halwampa said the project reflects Zambia’s commitment to boosting domestic fuel production and reducing dependence on foreign refineries. He added that the investment is expected to stimulate major industrial activity, create jobs, and enhance long-term energy security.
Zimbabwe is expected to participate at a later stage under a Government-approved Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening private-sector cooperation.
The arrangement supports the Zimbabwe–Zambia Oil Products and Natural Gas Pipelines Project, which seeks to extend the Beira–Feruka–Harare pipeline into Zambia and eventually the DRC.
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