- Energy security becomes pressing issue
TRYNESS TEMBO
Lusaka
ENERGY expert Boniface Zulu says Zambia should initiate negotiations with the Dangote Group to explore long-term petroleum supply contracts as an alternative to Middle Eastern imports, citing continued geopolitical risks.
Traditionally, Zambia has relied on imports from the Middle East; however, this model is increasingly unsustainable due to long transport routes, volatile markets, and geopolitical instability.
Mr Zulu noted that any such agreements must include clauses to mitigate price volatility, possibly through regional pooling mechanisms with other SADC countries.
In response to a query, he stated that Zambia’s energy security has become one of its most pressing challenges.
“With global oil prices surging past US$100 per barrel in the last 10 days, the country faces mounting pressure to secure affordable and reliable petroleum supplies. Two potential alternatives have emerged: Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery and Angola’s crude oil reserves. Both options present opportunities and risks that must be critically examined,” Mr Zulu said.
He observed that Nigeria, which is Africa’s largest oil producer, paradoxically lacks sufficient domestic refining capacity. Despite its vast crude reserves, the country depends heavily on imported refined petroleum products.
Mr Zulu added that the Dangote Refinery, located in a free trade zone near Lagos, is Africa’s largest single-train refinery and the centrepiece of Nigeria’s refining ambitions.
However, he clarified that it is not technically a “national refinery”. It operates as a private entity, sourcing crude oil from multiple countries, including Brazil, Equatorial Guinea and the United States of America. Of the 13 cargoes required monthly, only five are supplied by Nigeria’s NNPC…https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home
