Togo joins first wave of African buyers of Dangote refinery fuel
Wednesday, 25 March 2026 10:30 
(Togo First) - Togo is among the first African countries to receive refined petroleum products from Nigeria’s Dangote Oil Refinery, a privately owned facility expanding into regional markets since early 2026.
According to data reported by several media outlets, the refinery has exported 12 cargoes of refined products, totaling about 456,000 metric tons, to five African countries, including Togo. The shipments follow the facility reaching full production capacity, estimated at 650,000 barrels per day, in February 2026.
The development comes as several African countries face high import costs and supply risks, partly linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Africa imports most of its refined petroleum products, including gasoline and diesel, due to limited domestic refining capacity, despite being a major crude oil exporter. In West Africa, supplies have traditionally come from Europe, particularly the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp hub, as well as from Asia.
The Dangote refinery, which produces Euro 5-compliant fuels, is positioning itself as a major supplier across the subregion and could benefit from ongoing disruptions to global supply chains.
In Lomé, few details have emerged about these initial fuel purchases. The move reflects efforts to diversify import sources and secure supply. Proximity to Nigeria could also reduce logistics lead times and transportation costs.
Lomé’s port capacity for re-exports to other Gulf of Guinea countries also creates opportunities for Togo to play a role in the regional redistribution of petroleum products.
Over time, this shift could reshape energy supply flows across the continent, which has historically relied on imports from Europe.
Ayi Renaud Dossavi
