Zambia’s government has signed a landmark agreement to establish a $1.1 billion crude oil refinery and energy complex in Ndola, located in the country’s Copperbelt region.

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) announced that the planned facility will have the capacity to process approximately 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day. This would be sufficient to meet Zambia’s entire current fuel demand, with potential surplus production available for export to neighbouring countries.

The development is seen as a strategic move to strengthen energy security, reduce reliance on imports, and position Zambia as a regional energy hub.

Thami Ngubeni spoke to Cornwell Muleya, CEO of the Industrial Development Corporation, for more on the project.