Ethiopian PM Abiy Launches Major Oil Refinery, Fertilizer Plant in Somali Region

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has launched several major industrial projects aimed at boosting the country's economic development and reducing import dependence. These include the inauguration of the first phase of the Ogaden Liquefied Natural Gas Project, which will produce 111 million liters of gas and 1,000 megawatts of electricity, with a larger second phase planned. Additionally, he laid the foundation for a $2.5 billion urea fertilizer plant in partnership with Nigeria's Dangote Group, expected to produce 3 million tons annually using natural gas from the Calub fields. Alongside this, the construction of a $2.5 billion oil refinery by China's Golden Concord Group was initiated; it will process 3.5 million tons of crude oil per year sourced from the Hilala oil field. These projects, collectively valued at $10 billion, are part of a broader $30 billion investment program that includes infrastructure and energy developments such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Prime Minister Abiy emphasized that these initiatives symbolize Ethiopia's commitment to industrial growth, unity, and regional cooperation.