Namibian President, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has described Dangote Industries Limited’s proposed $2.5 billion petroleum storage and pipeline project as a major investment expected to reshape the region’s energy market and strengthen fuel security across Southern Africa.
She made the remarks during the official launch of the project in Walvis Bay, Namibia, where she commended the company’s President and Chief Executive, Aliko Dangote, for investing in Africa’s energy infrastructure.
The project comprises a proposed 600-million-litre petroleum storage facility and an approximately 1,700-kilometre pipeline network designed to connect Namibia with neighbouring markets, including Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Speaking at the ceremony, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the investment aligned with Namibia’s development priorities and would support regional economic integration, industrial growth and job creation.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said the project had been placed under the direct supervision of the Office of the President to ensure effective coordination and prevent bureaucratic delays. She also called for Namibians to receive priority in employment opportunities created by the investment, followed by other Africans. The Namibian+2
Dangote disclosed that the storage terminal would accommodate 360 million litres of diesel and 240 million litres of petrol, making it one of the largest petroleum storage facilities in the region.
He said the planned pipeline would extend from Walvis Bay towards Otjiwarongo, with connections to Rundu in Namibia and Ghanzi and Francistown in Botswana. The wider distribution network is expected to serve Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo. TheCable+1
According to Dangote, the project is expected to be completed within 18 to 20 months. Once operational, it will help reduce fuel transportation costs, improve supply reliability and establish Walvis Bay as a strategic petroleum distribution centre for Southern Africa. Reuters+1
He added that the investment forms part of Dangote Group’s broader expansion plans across Africa, raising its continent-wide investment target by 2030 from $50 billion to $60 billion.
The Governor of Namibia’s Erongo Region, Dr Nathalia ǀGoagoses, also welcomed the development, saying it would strengthen the region’s attractiveness for trade, investment and economic cooperation.
The project is expected to deepen energy cooperation between African countries while expanding petroleum storage and distribution infrastructure across the continent.
