Africa remains major oil exporter despite refining capacity gap

Africa remained a major crude oil exporting region in 2025, accounting for approximately 10% of global crude oil production, with the continent producing nearly 10 million barrels per day, according to a social media post highlighting the region’s oil industry.

The post, written by CEO of JIC Holdings Mark-Anthony Johnson, said Africa remained a major net exporter of crude oil to global markets despite challenges including infrastructure constraints, security concerns and political instability.

Nigeria was identified as the continent’s leading oil producer and exporter, averaging between 1.5 million and 1.6 million barrels per day in 2025. It was followed by Libya, which produced and exported roughly 1.2 million to 1.39 million barrels per day.

Algeria and Angola were also described as major players in Africa’s oil industry. Algeria averaged about 1.14 million barrels per day, while Angola maintained output and exports of more than 1 million barrels per day.

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The post also highlighted a major imbalance in Africa’s energy sector. Although the continent is a significant exporter of crude oil, it has historically remained a net importer of refined petroleum products such as gasoline and diesel because of limited domestic refining capacity.

However, the situation is beginning to change with the expansion of major refining projects, including Nigeria’s 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Refinery, which is moving toward full operational capacity.

The post said Africa’s oil industry remains heavily concentrated among a handful of major producers, particularly members of OPEC and OPEC+.