The Zambia Development Agency has handed over the investment license for a $1.1 billion crude oil refinery to China Zambia Petrochemical Corporation, a joint venture between the Industrial Development Corporation and China’s Fujian Xiang Xin Corporation.
The license handover marks the transition of the three-million-ton-per-annum refinery from planning to implementation, with construction set to start in the coming weeks and Phase 1 expected online in 2026. Cornwell Muleya, CEO of IDC, stated that through CZPC, they are driving a transformative venture that will create jobs, enhance national self-sufficiency and support long-term economic growth.
Once operational, the refinery will meet Zambia’s full domestic demand, strengthen regional energy security and reduce reliance on imported petroleum products. Peak construction is expected to create 2,200 jobs, with 600 direct and 2,000 indirect roles during operations.
The project will also expand downstream capabilities, including LPG bottling, bitumen production and lubricant blending, while opening opportunities for SMEs in logistics, maintenance and specialized services.
Source: energycapitalpower.com