Long-standing regional rivalries in East Africa are being highlighted by competing oil projects, particularly concerning a new refinery.

• Kenya's Lamu has been chosen as the site for the Dangote Group-financed regional oil refinery, a decision that has stirred further competition.
• The Dangote refinery plans were initially announced for Tanzania, but Tanzania's president stated she was not consulted, leading to a shift in location.
• Meanwhile, Uganda and Tanzania have signed an agreement with Vitol Bahrain to build a US$20 billion regional energy hub in Tanga, Tanzania.
• This rivalry echoes past disagreements, such as the collapsed 2014 crude oil pipeline deal between Uganda and Kenya, which ultimately favored a route through Tanzania.