By Abdullahi Lukman
Namibian President Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has described Dangote Industries Limited’s $2.5 billion investment in petroleum storage and regional pipeline infrastructure as a major milestone in Africa’s industrialisation and economic integration.
Speaking at the project’s official launch in Walvis Bay on Wednesday, the President said the investment would strengthen energy security, create employment opportunities and position Namibia as a strategic petroleum distribution hub for Southern Africa.
She described the occasion as the most memorable day of her presidency, commending Dangote Group President and Chief Executive, Aliko Dangote, for demonstrating confidence in Africa’s economic potential through large-scale investments.
The project includes a proposed petroleum storage facility with a capacity of 600 million litres and an approximately 1,700-kilometre pipeline network designed to connect Namibia with several countries in the region.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said the investment aligns with Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan, particularly its priorities on infrastructure development, logistics, industrialisation, energy security and job creation.
She also linked the initiative to the African Continental Free Trade Area and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
To ensure timely implementation, the President disclosed that she had placed the project under the coordination of her office, stressing the need to avoid administrative delays that could discourage major investors.
She further urged local businesses to strengthen their technical capabilities to benefit from opportunities arising from the project. According to her, the government intends to expand its local content policy beyond the oil and gas industry while prioritising skills development and technology transfer.
Speaking at the event, Dangote said the $2.5 billion investment would cover petroleum storage facilities, pipelines and distribution infrastructure.
He explained that the proposed tank farm would occupy approximately 70 hectares at Farm 58, about 10 kilometres east of Walvis Bay.
The facility is expected to accommodate 360 million litres of diesel and 240 million litres of petrol.
The pipeline is planned to extend from Walvis Bay towards Otjiwarongo, with connections to Rundu, Ghanzi and Francistown in Botswana. The wider network is expected to serve Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and the southern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Dangote said the final pipeline route and length would be determined through engineering assessments, route surveys and regulatory approvals.
He expressed confidence that the infrastructure would reduce transportation costs, improve petroleum supply reliability and make fuel more affordable, particularly for landlocked countries.
He emphasised that the investment was not solely profit-driven but also intended to improve regional access to petroleum products.
Dangote also announced that his group’s investment target by 2030 had increased from $50 billion to $60 billion, reflecting its ambition to expand its industrial presence across Africa.
Describing the Namibia project as the beginning of a broader partnership, he expressed the group’s willingness to explore additional investment opportunities in the country.
He assured the Namibian government of the company’s commitment to delivering the project, citing trust, transparency and strong institutional partnerships as essential elements of successful business relationships.
The businessman further explained that the investment formed part of a wider continental industrialisation strategy, referencing the group’s major investments in petroleum, petrochemicals and fertiliser infrastructure across Africa.
He also acknowledged the support of the African Export-Import Bank and its President, Dr George Elombi, in financing major industrial projects across the continent.
Dangote reaffirmed the group’s commitment to environmental protection, workplace safety, local procurement and community engagement, adding that Namibian contractors, transport operators, professionals and small businesses would have opportunities to participate in the project.
Meanwhile, Governor of Namibia’s Erongo Region, Dr Nathalia ǀGoagoses, welcomed the investment, describing it as an important development that would strengthen the region’s position as a centre for trade, investment and regional economic cooperation.
She stressed that sustainable development depended on strategic partnerships, collaboration and a shared commitment to economic progress.
Dangote concluded by reaffirming his group’s long-term commitment to Namibia and Southern Africa, expressing optimism that the project would deliver lasting economic benefits for the region and future generations.
