COUNTRY:  ANGOLA.

Angola has invited Namibia to become a shareholder in the Lobito refinery, a major oil project under construction in Benguela province. Angolan President João Lourenço made the offer during Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s state visit to Luanda on 19 October 2026. According to Angola’s Ministry of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, the proposed refinery is designed to process up to 200,000 barrels of crude oil per day. The invitation aims to strengthen energy cooperation and expand economic ties between the two neighbouring countries.

The refinery is expected to produce petrol, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas and aviation fuel. It could help Angola reduce its dependence on imported refined petroleum products while supplying markets across Southern Africa. In a report published on 21 October, Mercado highlighted Angola’s search for regional investors, noting that state-owned oil company Sonangol is currently financing the project alone. President Lourenço has also indicated that countries holding shares in the refinery could receive priority access to its products. This arrangement could make participation attractive to Namibia as it prepares to develop its own petroleum industry.

Namibia’s potential investment would strengthen regional energy cooperation and support the development of local refining capacity. During the visit, both countries also discussed broader economic partnerships, including trade, fisheries, tourism and infrastructure. However, Namibia’s participation in the Lobito refinery has been proposed rather than confirmed. According to Angola’s official government communications portal, the invitation forms part of a wider effort to share petroleum expertise and increase the regional supply of refined fuels. If an agreement is reached, the partnership could create new investment opportunities and strengthen energy security across Southern Africa.

Photo Source: CIPRAAuthor: Olivia Adams.