Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, is playing a crucial role in reviving Cameroon’s troubled national oil refinery, Sonara.
The Dangote Group is in talks with Sonara over fuel supply and financing arrangements, aiming to restart operations under a heavy debt load of 479 billion CFA francs.
A Sonara delegation visited Lagos to discuss possible financial backing and technical support with Dangote refinery executives.
The partnership could stabilize fuel supply in Cameroon, support domestic consumption, and strengthen energy independence.
Sonara’s recovery plan, Parras 24, targets a return to refining within 24 months, costing 291.9 billion CFA francs.
Dangote’s involvement is pivotal, with potential roles as a strategic fuel supplier and financier.
Other financiers, including the Union of Arab and French Banks and the Bank of Central African States, are also interested in supporting Sonara.
With Sonara offline, Cameroon relies on imports, which reached 333.7 billion CFA francs in the first half of 2025.
