List of presidents and dignitaries attending Dangote East African Refinery groundbreaking

A high-profile delegation of African leaders and influential business figures gathered in Lamu for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Dangote East African Refinery project. The event, held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, marked the formal initiation of construction for the multibillion-dollar refinery, a venture backed by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote.

Among the notable attendees were Kenya's President William Ruto, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni, Togo's President Jean-Lucien Savie de Tové, Benin's President Romuald Wadagni, former Nigerian Head of State Olusegun Obasanjo, and Dangote himself. The presence of these dignitaries has transformed Lamu into a significant diplomatic and business hub, as Kenya takes the lead in hosting leaders for a ceremony tied to one of the country's most ambitious industrial investments. Further details on the event are expected to be released shortly.