Cameroon Seeks Dangote’s Expertise for National Oil Refinery Revival
By Samuel Ogunsona
Cameroon’s state-owned oil refinery, Société Nationale de Raffinage (Sonara), has turned to Nigeria’s Dangote Group for assistance in reviving its operations.
A delegation led by Sonara’s CEO, El Hadj Bako Harouna, visited the Dangote refinery in Lagos from January 20 to 23, 2026, to discuss potential financial and technical support.
The talks aimed to lay the groundwork for a long-term partnership that could enhance Cameroon’s fuel security, meet domestic demand, and promote energy independence.
The discussions between Sonara and Dangote refinery focused on negotiating fuel supply agreements and exploring the possibility of securing a loan from the Dangote Group.
This potential partnership is part of Sonara’s “Parras 24” recovery plan, which aims to restore refining activities within 24 months at a cost of CFA291.9 billion ($524 million). The plan’s first phase, set for 2026-2027, prioritizes repairing infrastructure damaged in the 2019 fire that led to the refinery’s shutdown.
The Cameroonian government has implemented a state-backed mechanism to support debt servicing, which includes a levy of CFA47.8 on every liter of fuel sold at the pump
The revival of Sonara could have significant implications for the region, reducing dependence on European imports and reinforcing Cameroon’s position as a key energy supplier in Central Africa.
With refining capacity across West and Central Africa below demand, the successful restart of Sonara could stabilize fuel supplies and prices in the region
