On Saturday, August 15, 2026, the Nigerien government signed an agreement with the Canadian company “ZIMAR GROUP” for the construction of a conventional refinery and a petrochemical complex in Dosso. This $1.9 billion US dollar project aims to strengthen the local processing of crude oil to support national and regional energy.
The agreement follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in October 2024, which initiated discussions with the consortium composed of ZIMAR GROUP, a company incorporated under Nigerien law, and the American company “HIGH TECH,” according to a press release from Niamey.
The agreement covers the design, financing, construction, and operation of the facility for the agreed-upon duration of 16 years before its transfer to the State. It is structured around 3 years of construction work and 13 years of operation. Additionally, it sets a 4-month deadline for the mobilization of funds and a 12-month deadline for the final financial closing of the project.
A monitoring committee will be set up to oversee the implementation of the agreement, ensure compliance with contractual commitments, and track the effective progress of the project.
For the Nigerien authorities, the signing of this agreement solidifies the vision of Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tiani, who advocates for the local processing of oil resources, the strengthening of energy sovereignty, and national self-sufficiency in petroleum products