The rapid emergence of the Dangote refinery, currently supplying regional markets and scheduled to expand to 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2028, is reshaping West Africa’s downstream landscape and accelerating the need for a coordinated modern institutional framework. Against this backdrop, a dedicated panel session entitled “West Africa’s increased refining potential and the need for a new institutional framework” will be held at the MSGBC Oil, Gas and Power 2025 conference and exhibition in Dakar from 8 to 10 December.
This session is well-positioned to highlight how new refining capacity, evolving trade flows and regulatory alignment are redefining opportunities for investors, traders and policymakers within the MSGBC region and beyond. With several large-scale projects underway, including the planned Société Africain de Rafinage (SAR) 2.0 facility in Senegal, the development of an oil hub in Ghana, and multiple modular refineries, the region is entering a new phase of downstream growth that calls for stable governance structures, harmonized fuel standards, and strengthened intra-African trade mechanisms.
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The panel brings together four key voices shaping West Africa’s refining expansion, including Baboukar Nye, Managing Director of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC); Mr. Anibor Kulaga, Executive Director, African Refining and Distribution Association (ARDA); Mamadou Aviv Diop, SAR CEO; and Badara Mbacké, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Senegal.
GNPC is a key player in Ghana’s multi-phase $60 billion oil hub initiative. As part of this effort, the Territorial Government is pursuing refinery development, logistics expansion and strategic partnerships to position Ghana as a future regional energy hub. Meanwhile, ARDA plays a key role in promoting harmonized clean fuel standards and enabling reforms essential to downstream modernization and intra-African market integration.
The SAR 2.0 refinery aims to add 4 million tonnes of annual production capacity to Senegal by 2029, supporting national self-sufficiency and strengthening regional export capacity. Finally, TotalEnergies Senegal, representing one of the most attractive international energy companies in the region, is committed to downstream distribution, product marketing and strategic partnerships in Senegal’s growing oil and gas sector.
Together, these experts will be well-positioned to consider the changing dynamics between refiners and importers, the investment potential of adding new capacity, and the policy measures needed to protect market stability while fostering competition and innovation. This session will therefore provide practical insights into how West Africa can unlock value, attract sustainable capital and build a resilient refining ecosystem for long-term growth.
“As West Africa’s refining industry undergoes the most significant transformation in decades, it is critical that industry leaders come together to align on a framework to guide this growth. This session will bring together key decision-makers who will shape the region’s downstream future, enabling its policies, investments and capacity expansion to proceed in a collaborative and sustainable manner,” said Sandra Jeke, Events and Projects Director at Energy Capital & Power.
