Cameroon is set to begin producing fuel from its newly built refinery in December 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen local refining capabilities and cut dependence on imported petroleum products.
The refinery, located in Mboro near Kribi in southern Cameroon, will initially process 10,000 barrels of crude oil per day, according to the country’s state-owned oil company, SNH.
Cameroon’s New Refinery Project
Reports indicate that the first phase of the refinery is expected to satisfy about 22% of Cameroon’s domestic demand for gasoline and diesel once operations commence, helping to improve fuel supply across the country.
SNH disclosed that construction activities are scheduled to begin in June, while equipment procurement and fabrication for the project’s first phase will continue through September.
The Mboro facility forms part of a broader refinery development with a planned capacity of 30,000 barrels per day. Full operational capacity is expected to be achieved by 2027.
The project comes as Cameroon works to rebuild and expand its refining sector following the shutdown of its primary refinery, Sonara.
Situated at Cape Limboh near Limbe, Sonara suffered extensive damage in a 2019 fire and has remained largely out of service ever since.
$520 Million Investment
The refinery project carries an estimated cost of $520 million and will be financed through a combination of shareholder contributions and debt funding.
SNH revealed that BGFI Bank will lead the financing consortium, which is expected to provide approximately $210 million in loans.
In addition, a petroleum products storage terminal with a capacity of 250,000 barrels will be constructed at Mboro and financed by SNH. Plans are also underway to develop additional storage facilities for diesel, gasoline, aviation fuel, and kerosene.
Once fully operational, the Mboro refinery is expected to reduce Cameroon’s reliance on imported fuel, enhance national energy security, and strengthen the country’s position as a key supplier of refined petroleum products within the region.
