Previously, expectations surrounding Aliko Dangote’s refinery were focused on its operational capacity, which stood at 650,000 barrels per day. The refinery, recognized as the largest single-train refinery in the world, was seen as a significant player in Africa’s oil industry.
However, a decisive shift occurred when Dangote announced plans to offer shares in his oil-refining company on multiple African stock exchanges. This unprecedented move is set to launch within the next five months and aims to deepen investor participation across the continent.
As part of this initiative, Dangote has appointed Stanbic IBTC Capital Ltd., Vetiva Advisory Services Ltd., and FirstCap Ltd. as advisers for the IPO. He intends to list a 10 percent stake in his refinery on the Nigerian Exchange this year, with the possibility of selling an additional 5 percent during the IPO.
In terms of expansion, Dangote plans to increase the refinery’s capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day over the next three years. This ambitious goal is supported by a $4 billion syndicated facility, of which $2.5 billion has already been underwritten by the African Export-Import Bank.
Dangote’s strategy also includes a significant financial commitment, with plans to invest at least $40 billion over the next five years. This investment will not only focus on refinery expansion but also aims to quadruple fertilizer output.
Investors in the upcoming IPO will have the option to receive dividends in either naira or dollars, enhancing the appeal of this investment opportunity. Dangote has expressed his intention to retain no more than 65 to 70 percent of the refinery shares, indicating a willingness to share ownership with investors.
Frank Mwiti, an expert in the field, noted, “The plan is to structure a pan-African IPO,” highlighting the broader implications of this initiative for the African market.
Dangote emphasized that this share offer is designed to ensure that every living Nigerian can own part of the refinery, stating, “At the moment, our main interest is to list on the exchange.” This reflects a commitment to democratizing access to investment in one of Africa’s most significant economic ventures.
As the IPO approaches, the excitement surrounding this development continues to grow, with many anticipating the potential impact on the African economy and investor landscape.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timeline and structure of the share offer, but the implications of this move are already being felt across the continent.