Overview
Canadian industrial energy company Zimar Inc announced that it will build a $1.9 billion refinery and petrochemical complex in the city of Dosso, southwestern Niger. The project was disclosed by Nigerien Foreign Minister Bakary Sangaré after the parties signed the agreement in Niamey on Saturday, 15 August 2026, and the contract took effect immediately.
Project Scope and Timeline
The facility is designed to have an estimated production capacity of 100,000 barrels per day. The contract spans 16 years, allocating three years for construction followed by 13 years of operation. Upon completion of the 16‑year period, Zimar will transfer ownership of the infrastructure to the Nigerien government.
Financial and Operational Responsibilities
Zimar will finance, develop, and operate the refinery and petrochemical complex for the agreed term. The company is responsible for securing all necessary financing, equipment, and supporting infrastructure to meet the three‑year construction schedule.
Background and Context
The agreement follows an initial version signed in October 2024, which was later reviewed by Nigerian authorities, leading to revisions before the final signing. Niger estimates its petroleum reserves at roughly three billion barrels and is pursuing projects to add domestic processing capacity, reducing reliance on exporting unrefined crude.
Related Developments
In parallel, Niger began joint drilling with Algeria at the Kafra oil block in the Agadez region. Additionally, Niger loaded its first cargo of Meleck crude oil from the Sèmè terminal in Benin, with support from Algeria’s state‑owned Sonatrach.
Conditions for Success
The project's progress hinges on Zimar completing construction within the stipulated three‑year timetable and successfully arranging the required financing, equipment, and ancillary infrastructure for a development of this scale.