Zimar Commits $1.9 Billion to 100,000-BPD Oil Refinery in Niger
Canadian energy group Zimar has selected Niger as the host for a major industrial initiative: a $1.9 billion oil refinery with a processing capacity of 100,000 barrels per day (bpd). The landmark agreement with the Nigerien government was officially signed on August 15, 2026, anchoring the project in Dosso, located in the country’s southwestern region.
Project Scope & Operational Framework
The initiative will feature a full-scale refinery paired with an integrated petrochemical complex. Construction is slated to span three years, followed by a 13-year operational phase structured under a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) partnership model.
The facility will be deployed in three production phases:
- Unit 1: 30,000 bpd
- Unit 2: 35,000 bpd
- Unit 3: 35,000 bpd
Total Capacity: 100,000 bpd
The accompanying petrochemical complex is designed to deepen local crude oil processing, reduce reliance on imported refined products, and catalyze higher-value industrial activities within Niger’s growing energy sector.
From Modular to Conventional: Project Evolution
Zimar’s entry into Niger is not based on a newly conceived blueprint. A memorandum of understanding was initially signed in October 2024 for a modular refinery of identical capacity. Following strategic reassessments, the project was pivoted toward a conventional refinery design. Nigerien authorities subsequently revised the terms of reference and commissioned an updated feasibility study before finalizing the current agreement.
Strategic Impact & Next Steps
The Dosso refinery arrives at a critical juncture for Niger’s energy strategy. The country currently produces approximately 110,000 bpd of crude oil, yet its existing Zinder refinery operates at a capacity of only ~20,000 bpd.
By multiplying national refining capacity, the new facility is poised to:
- Drastically reduce dependence on imported petroleum products
- Position Niger as a competitive regional supplier of refined fuels
- Stimulate downstream industrial growth and job creation
While the signed convention formalizes the investment commitment, the immediate priority remains securing the project’s financial and technical structuring. The full $1.9 billion must be mobilized before groundbreaking can commence, marking the transition from agreement to active development.
