Uganda bets on oil city as East Africa’s petrochemical hub

Uganda has launched a drive to position Hoima as East Africa's petrochemical manufacturing centre, opening the Kabalega Industrial Park (KIP) to investors ahead of first oil production. Anchored on a planned 60,000-barrels-per-day refinery, the park is expected to host 221 factories and contribute an estimated $4.9 billion annually to GDP. KIP relies on key oil infrastructure including the crude export hub, refinery, and a dedicated international airport. Meanwhile, Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote announced he will build a refinery in Lamu, Kenya.