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Government has officially launched the construction of a US$1.1 billion crude oil refinery in Ndola, marking one of Zambia’s largest energy-sector investments in recent years.
The project is a partnership between the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and China’s Fujian Xiang Xin Corporation under the joint venture company, the Zambia Petrochemical Energy Company (ZPEC).
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony in Ndola on Friday, Energy Minister Makozo Chikote said the project represented a major milestone in Zambia’s efforts to strengthen energy security and support industrial expansion.
“This marks a major milestone in Zambia’s drive to strengthen energy security and industrial growth,” Chikote said.
He added that the private sector–driven investment would help the country become self-sufficient in the supply of petroleum products.
He said the project reflected strong investor confidence in the country’s enabling business environment.
“This refinery is a transformative project that demonstrates the private sector’s response to policies under the New Dawn Administration led by President Hakainde Hichilema,” he said.
The refinery will have a processing capacity of three million tonnes of crude oil per year, equivalent to about 60,000 barrels per day, and is expected to support key sectors such as mining and other high fuel-consuming industries.
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According to the minister, the project will generate significant economic benefits, including more than 2,200 jobs during construction, and over 600 direct and 2,000 indirect jobs once operational.
Chikote noted that the integrated energy complex will include liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) bottling, bitumen production and lubricant blending, promoting value addition and stimulating broader industrial development.
He urged the project developers to prioritise skills transfer and capacity building for Zambians to enhance local expertise in petrochemical operations, while also encouraging the use of local manpower wherever possible.
Chikote further called on residents of Ndola and the Copperbelt Province to support the project, stating that it has the potential to significantly contribute to regional and national economic growth.
Those in attendance included Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga, Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo and Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary–Energy Ephraim Munshifwa.
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