Where we operate
BP has operated in Africa for more than 80 years, pursuing a range of interests from oil and gas exploration, crude oil importation and refining, to the distribution and marketing of gas and refined products
It operates in nearly 20 countries across the continent. The company is a market leader in most markets, employing (directly or indirectly) some 22 000 people, who themselves support some 100 000 more.
The BP Africa region consists of the company’s downstream operations in Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Moçambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. In addition, the company is engaged in oil and gas exploration activities in Angola, Algeria, and Egypt.
Total downstream capital invested in Africa amounts to US$550 million with an annual operating budget of some US$100million. Infrastructure in the region includes some 52 depots, more than 1 500 retail sites and the largest refinery in the region. In addition, BP is engaged in oil and gas exploration activities in Angola, Algeria and Egypt. The company has already invested several billion dollars there, and is set to increase that level of investment by at least US$5 billion over the next five years.
The global merger with Castrol has made an enormous impact on BP’s lubricants business in Africa. In manufacturing, Castrol brings to BP in South Africa and the rest of Africa, two plants in Durban, one on the Reef and one in Zimbabwe. Castrol in Africa not only sells high quality and high value lubricants, it also sells chemicals, mold releasants and speciality products such as waxes and abrasives. It has products for the construction, foundry, steel and aluminum industries as well as products aimed at the mining and printing industries. All in all, the lubricants and grease manufacturing combination of BP and Castrol in Africa creates a total production capacity of more than 140 000 tons annually.
As a world class company in the energy sector, BP has consistently been a leader in terms of direct investment and wealth creation in Africa. Its investment philosophy is based upon the principle of fair return on investment. The company aims to share these returns with the communities where it operates. See more about social investment.
