The Zambia Development Agency has officially issued an investment license to China Zambia Petrochemical Corp, marking a pivotal transition from planning to full-scale implementation for the $1.1 billion crude oil refinery and integrated energy complex in Ndola. Groundbreaking is scheduled for the coming weeks, with the first phase expected to become operational in 2026.
The special purpose vehicle, jointly established by the Industrial Development Corp and Fujian Xiang Xin Corp, will develop a facility capable of processing 3 million tonnes per year of crude oil, equivalent to approximately 60,000 barrels per day. This capacity is sufficient to meet Zambia’s entire current fuel demand and position the country favorably within the regional export market.
IDC CEO Cornwell Muleya described the license handover as a decisive shift from commitment to execution, emphasizing the project’s role in strengthening energy security, reducing reliance on imported fuel, and advancing Zambia’s long-term industrialization goals. The refinery will create more than 2,200 jobs during peak construction and support over 600 direct and 2,000 indirect jobs once operational.
FJXX Chairperson Huang Tieming stated that the company is committed to deploying world-class engineering solutions in partnership with the Zambian government. The integrated complex will catalyze growth in downstream industries such as LPG bottling, bitumen production, and lubricant blending, while creating opportunities for small and medium enterprises in logistics, maintenance, and specialized services. Skills transfer programs aimed at building local expertise in advanced petrochemical technologies are also included in the project scope.
Source: hydrocarbonengineering.com