Chevron Marine Lubricants expands reach in Africa with Akwa Group

Chevron Marine Lubricants is set to boost its presence in African ports after extending its joint venture with Akwa Group, where Chevron is now an equal partner in Afriquia Lubrifiants, with plans to extend the blending, distribution, and marketing business beyond Morocco to markets in sub-Saharan Africa.

The agreement will enable the joint venture to manufacture Chevron’s premium products locally for the first time, including Chevron Marine Lubricants’ product portfolio. Driven by research and development, the integration of Chevron’s high-end formulas will allow for improved logistics cycles with better delivery times and better inventory management, as well as boosting the range of products available in the region.

Mostapha Miri, Managing Director of Afriquia Lubrifiants division, said, “The new agreement allows the integration of the high-end formulas of Chevron Marine Lubricants into local production. The export of the range from Morocco will be distributed to 14 countries in Africa. With this agreement, Afriquia Lubricants consolidates its expertise and reputation as a preferred supplier.”

The 14 countries that the products will be distributed to in North and West Africa are Algeria, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Togo, Tunisia, Senegal, Niger, Mauritania, Mali, Guinea Conakry, Benin, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Chevron Marine Lubricants products will be available in ports across these countries.

Sotiris Meklis, Regional Manager Mediterranean & MEA Region from Chevron Marine Lubricants, said, “Extending this partnership gives Chevron Marine Lubricants better access to several important and rapidly growing ports. Increased coverage in the region will make lubricant logistics even more convenient and comprehensive, further simplifying business for our customers.”