Tanzania, March 23 -- Dar es Salaam. Despite holding significant crude oil reserves, African countries continue to rely heavily on imported refined petroleum products, raising persistent questions among policymakers and industry players about the continent's energy paradox.

From the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to the East African Community (EAC), the issue has remained a recurring theme in policy discussions-why Africa exports crude oil yet imports much of the fuel it consumes.

Analysts say there is no single explanation. Instead, the trend reflects a complex interplay of structural, financial and market-related factors.

Agricultural trade economist at the University of Dodoma, Mr Lutengano Mwinuka, says attributing t...