Dangote says refinery ready to overcome Kenyan legal hurdles

Aliko Dangote, Africa's wealthiest individual, has dismissed a Kenyan court's suspension of construction work on his planned multi-million-dollar oil refinery in Lamu as a common challenge faced across the continent. The billionaire, speaking at an investor engagement in Nairobi for the Dangote Petroleum Refinery initial public offering, expressed his readiness to confront any opposition.

The court order, which came after a petition by local farmers and residents, halted construction activities pending further review. Dangote, who learned of the court's decision upon landing in Kenya, recalled a similar incident in Senegal where his factory was halted for a year. He emphasized that such challenges are minor compared to the obstacles faced in Africa and that his team is prepared to face the legal challenges head-on.

Despite the legal hurdles, the Dangote Group stated that the court order has not halted the groundbreaking ceremony, which is scheduled for Wednesday. The refinery, expected to be built by the Dangote Group with a 70 percent stake, aims to serve the East African market, with regional governments contributing the remaining stake.