Côte d’Ivoire: African Development Bank Approves €200 Million Financing to Boost Low-Sulfur Fuel Production

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) approved a €200 million loan on July 13, 2026, in Abidjan to support the "Clean Air" project led by the Société Ivoirienne de Raffinage (SIR), Côte d'Ivoire's state-owned oil refinery.

The project involves the design, construction and commissioning of a diesel hydrodesulfurization (HDS) complex at the SIR refinery. This strategic infrastructure will strengthen the refinery's capacity to process petroleum products while enabling the production of ultra-low sulfur diesel that meets international environmental standards.

The investment will enhance SIR's ability to supply cleaner fuels, improve air quality and support the transition toward more environmentally friendly petroleum products across West Africa. Established in 1962, SIR refines crude oil and distributes petroleum products throughout Côte d'Ivoire and to international markets.

With an estimated total cost of €833 million, the Clean Air project will be financed by a consortium of development finance institutions and financial partners. Acting as the mandated lead arranger, the African Development Bank will play a central role in structuring the financing package and mobilizing additional resources for the strategic investment. The new hydrodesulfurization complex is expected to become operational in 2029.

"By enabling Côte d'Ivoire to produce ultra-low sulfur fuels, the Clean Air project combines industrial modernization with climate action while improving public health across West Africa," said Kevin Kariuki, African Development Bank Group Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth. "The African Development Bank is proud to support this transformation, which will help create cleaner cities, improve vehicle engine efficiency and preserve the competitiveness of Côte d'Ivoire's fuel industry."

The project is also expected to strengthen energy security in Côte d'Ivoire and neighboring landlocked countries, particularly Mali and Burkina Faso, which rely in part on SIR for refined petroleum products. It will help safeguard the competitiveness of one of West Africa's largest operating refineries as regional and international environmental standards become increasingly stringent.

During the construction phase, the project is expected to create approximately 1,140 jobs. Once operational, the facility will require 82 permanent employees while helping preserve around 900 existing jobs at SIR. In addition, a skills development program will be implemented to train about 50 employees in operating advanced and environmentally friendly refining technologies.

The Clean Air project aligns with the African Development Bank Group's Ten-Year Strategy 2024-2033 and supports its High 4 priorities by mobilizing large-scale capital, strengthening climate-resilient infrastructure and advancing Africa's industrialization.