Equatorial Guinea is set to host one of Africa’s most advanced oil refineries, with construction underway in Bata through a strategic partnership with China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC). The refinery, with a capacity of 20,000 barrels per day, is being developed by a consortium that includes CRCC and Consolidated International Refinery Development Ltd (CIRDL).
CRCC, one of the world's largest construction firms, is the parent company of CCECC, which has played a pivotal role in rehabilitating Nigeria’s railway system and has executed infrastructure projects worth over $20 billion across the country.
The refinery project commenced in August 2022 as part of Equatorial Guinea’s efforts to strengthen its energy sector and enhance self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products. The Chinese investors are providing the majority of the funding through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), allowing the Equatorial Guinean government to allocate capital to other critical infrastructure projects.
On November 21, 2023, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo officially announced the expropriation of land for the refinery site, with compensation agreements reached for affected parties. The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) was completed on June 6, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the project's development.
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Benchmark for African refineries
Once operational, the Bata Oil Refinery will stand out as one of Africa’s most technologically advanced refineries, producing a full range of refined petroleum products—including petrol (PMS), diesel (AGO), kerosene (DPK), and aviation fuel (ATK)—all meeting the stringent Euro 6 standard. This ensures that Equatorial Guinea’s refined petroleum products will be of the highest quality and acceptable for export to global markets.
While the refinery may not be the largest in Africa, it is set to be the most advanced, positioning Equatorial Guinea as a key player in the continent’s downstream petroleum sector. In addition to fuel production, the refinery will include a petrochemical plant that will manufacture asphalt and plastic derivatives, such as containers, chairs, and tables, further diversifying the country's industrial output.
Driving economic transformation
The refinery is a cornerstone of Equatorial Guinea’s broader vision to transform its economy, spearheaded by President Obiang and Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue. Under their leadership, the country has launched major oil and gas initiatives, leveraging its substantial natural gas reserves to establish itself as a regional energy hub.
As part of this strategy, Equatorial Guinea is advancing its flagship Gas Mega Hub (GMH) project while simultaneously constructing a crude oil and petroleum product storage tank farm near the new refinery. These developments reinforce the country’s status as an emerging energy powerhouse in Africa, drawing admiration across the continent.
With the Bata Oil Refinery set to redefine refining standards in Africa, Equatorial Guinea continues to solidify its position as a leader in energy infrastructure development, driving both economic growth and industrial transformation.