Cape Town: Société Africaine de Raffinage (SAR) Director General is set to speak at the African Energy Week (AEW) 2025, following a significant milestone in the Senegalese oil refining sector. The event, Invest in African Energies 2025, will be held from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. This engagement follows SAR’s recent success in refining locally produced crude oil, marking a pivotal moment for Senegal’s energy sovereignty and industrial progression.
According to African Press Organization, in February 2025, SAR achieved a breakthrough by refining crude oil from the offshore Sangomar field for the first time. The company processed 650,000 barrels and produced 90,000 tons of petroleum products, including diesel, kerosene, gasoline, and butane gas. This accomplishment is anticipated to advance Senegal’s strategy to bolster energy security, reduce import dependence, and enhance the local value chain.
Senegal’s energy sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by developments in the Sangomar oilfield and the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project. SAR is executing a transformation strategy to expand its refining capacity, aiming to meet the full domestic fuel demand by 2030. The plan includes securing $500 million in financing from the African Export-Import Bank for building a petrochemical complex, which will help reduce the reliance on imported products and boost industrial growth.
Tomás Gerbasio, VP of Commercial and Strategic Engagement at the African Energy Chamber, stated, “Diop’s leadership has been instrumental in unlocking Senegal’s refining capabilities and in driving the country’s transition from a crude exporter to a fully integrated energy producer. His participation at AEW 2025 will spotlight how local refining capacity can catalyze broader industrial development across the continent.”