With the licence now granted, the project moves from preparation to full construction following the memorandum of understanding signed in July 2025 at the Invest Zambia International Conference. Ground-breaking is scheduled within the coming weeks, and the first phase of the refinery is targeted for commissioning in 2026.
IDC Chief Executive Officer Cornwell Muleya welcomed the milestone as the transition from planning to active development. "Through CZPC, we are driving a transformative venture that will create jobs, enhance national self-sufficiency and support long-term economic growth," Muleya said.
Chairperson of Fujian Xiang Xin Corporation, Huang Tieming, reaffirmed the company's commitment to delivering the facility on schedule. "We are honoured to advance this project into its implementation phase in partnership with the government of Zambia through IDC," Tieming said.
Once completed, the refinery will have capacity to process 3 million tonnes of crude oil per year, or approximately 60,000 barrels per day. This volume fully covers Zambia's current domestic fuel requirements and provides potential for regional supply.
During peak construction, more than 2,200 jobs will be created, while the operational phase will sustain over 600 direct positions and around 2,000 indirect roles. Comprehensive training programmes will transfer advanced petrochemical knowledge and skills to Zambian personnel.
The integrated complex will also include facilities for LPG bottling, bitumen manufacturing, and lubricant blending, stimulating growth across downstream sectors. Additional opportunities will emerge for local small and medium enterprises in areas such as transport, maintenance, and specialist services.
The Ndola project represents a major step toward strengthening Zambia's energy infrastructure and supporting broader industrial development objectives through enhanced domestic refining capability.
