4,000 Jobs for Copperbelt as $1.1 Billion Oil Refinery Project Launches in Ndola
The Zambian Government has officially launched the construction of a US$1.1 billion crude oil refinery in Ndola, marking a significant step towards strengthening the country’s energy security and industrial development.
Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony, Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote said the project is being driven by the private sector through Fujian Xiang Xin Corporation under the Zambia Petrochemical Energy Company (ZPEC), signalling growing investor confidence in Zambia’s business environment.
Mr Chikote described the refinery as a transformative investment aligned with policies under the administration of President Hakainde Hichilema, noting that it reflects strong private sector response to ongoing economic reforms.
The facility is expected to process three million metric tonnes of crude oil annually, equivalent to approximately 60,000 barrels per day and will support key industries such as mining and other fuel-intensive sectors.
The project is also set to deliver substantial economic benefits, including the creation of more than 2,200 jobs during construction. Once operational, it is projected to sustain over 600 direct jobs and more than 2,000 indirect jobs.
In addition to refining crude oil, the integrated energy complex will include liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) bottling, bitumen production and lubricant blending, enhancing value addition and supporting industrial growth.
Mr Chikote urged developers to prioritise skills transfer and training for Zambians, emphasising the need to build local capacity in petrochemical operations while maximising the use of local labour.
He also called on residents of Ndola and the wider Copperbelt Province to support the initiative, stating that it holds significant potential to contribute to economic expansion and national development.
The ceremony was attended by several senior government officials, including Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga, Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo, and Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary Ephraim Munshifwa.
