South Sudan Joins Landmark East African Refinery Launch in Kenya

(LAMU PORT, KENYA) – A high-level delegation from South Sudan, led by the Caretaker National Minister of Petroleum, Eng. Awow Daniel Chuang, has joined regional leaders and partners in Lamu, Kenya, for the groundbreaking ceremony of the East African Refinery on Wednesday.

The South Sudan delegation includes Ambassador Simon Juach Deng, South Sudan’s envoy to Kenya, alongside other government officials.

The refinery project builds on a regional vision first launched in Lamu in 2012 when the leaders of South Sudan, Kenya and Ethiopia inaugurated the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor project aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and economic integration.

Valued at 16 billion US dollars, the refinery is expected to process up to 700,000 barrels of oil per day, strengthening energy security across Kenya and eight markets in East and Central Africa. The project is also projected to create approximately 60,000 jobs and stimulate industrial growth through investments in fertiliser production, chemicals, packaging and related industries.

The initiative is being spearheaded by the Government of Kenya under President William Ruto, in partnership with the Dangote Group and the Africa Finance Corporation.

For South Sudan, an oil-producing but landlocked country, the refinery and the wider LAPSSET Corridor present an opportunity to expand access to international markets through improved transport infrastructure, strengthen trade links with Kenya and enhance regional economic cooperation.