Angola’s new Cabinda oil refinery, the first to be built since the country’s independence over 50 years ago, is expected to start producing fuel by the end of this year, the nation’s oil and gas minister confirmed.
The 30,000-barrel-per-day refinery will be Angola’s second, helping the country reduce dependence on costly fuel imports amid government efforts to phase out fuel subsidies. Oil and gas minister Diamantino Azevedo said the refinery is entering its decisive phase, with commercial fuel production scheduled before year-end.
Gemcorp, an investment firm, holds the largest share in the project, while state-owned Sonangol supplies feedstock and retains a minority stake. The first phase of the refinery is expected to meet 5–10% of Angola’s fuel needs. A second phase will increase capacity to 60,000 barrels per day and add a diesel and jet fuel-producing hydrocracking unit.
Plans for the larger Soyo and Lobito refineries are under review, with construction for Lobito set to restart following cost reduction measures. Angola currently imports around 72% of its fuel consumption, making the expansion of domestic refining capacity a key priority for the government.
