Dangote, Sahara, Afriquia: Africa’s oil champions take on the majors

A few years ago, not even the most fervent Afro-optimist would have staked a dollar on an African group becoming an indispensable link in European aviation. Yet amid geopolitical turmoil in the Middle East, the refinery owned by powerful Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote played a key role in keeping European carriers’ planes flying, after they were left exposed by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

    obstacle course
                

    # Dangote, Sahara, Afriquia: Africa’s oil champions take on the majors

    In a sector dominated by Western heavyweights, African groups – Aliko Dangote’s chief among them – are carving out a place for themselves. They are making inroads in refining, trading and distribution. But how far can they go?