Namibia’s President, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has described Dangote Industries Limited’s $2.5 billion investment in a petroleum tank farm and regional pipeline infrastructure as a landmark project that will accelerate Africa’s industrialisation and strengthen energy security across Southern Africa.
Speaking at the official launch of the Dangote Namibia Tank Farm and Regional Pipeline Project in Walvis Bay, the President said the investment would enhance regional economic integration, improve petroleum distribution and reinforce Namibia’s position as a strategic energy hub.
She described the occasion as the most memorable day of her presidency, commending Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, for demonstrating confidence in Africa’s economic potential through large-scale infrastructure investments.
“Today is the most memorable day of my presidency,” she said, noting that the project reflects the growing capacity of African entrepreneurs to drive the continent’s economic transformation.
The project comprises a proposed 600-million-litre petroleum storage facility and an approximately 1,700-kilometre regional pipeline network expected to connect Namibia with key markets in Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The facility, located near Walvis Bay, will have the capacity to store 360 million litres of diesel and 240 million litres of petrol.
The infrastructure is expected to improve fuel supply reliability, reduce transportation costs and provide landlocked countries in the region with more efficient access to petroleum products.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah said the investment aligns with Namibia’s development priorities and the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), particularly in promoting regional trade, employment generation, skills transfer and industrial expansion.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dangote said the investment forms part of his group’s broader strategy to establish interconnected centres of production, storage and distribution across Africa.
He explained that the pipeline infrastructure would facilitate the movement of petroleum products across national borders, making fuel more accessible and affordable to neighbouring countries.
“We want to invest heavily so that landlocked countries can access petroleum products at cheaper prices,” he said.
Dangote also disclosed that the Group had raised its Africa-wide investment ambition towards 2030 from $50 billion to $60 billion, signalling plans for expanded investments in strategic sectors across the continent.
“What we are launching today represents an investment of $2.5 billion, but Namibia deserves much more. We want to invest more and do more with your government,” he said.
Reaffirming his commitment to Africa’s economic transformation, the industrialist said the continent had the natural resources, human capital and market opportunities required to achieve sustainable industrial development.
“Africa must industrialise Africa,” he declared.
Also speaking, the Governor of Namibia’s Erongo Region, Dr Nathalia ǀGoagoses, welcomed the investment, describing it as a strategic initiative that would strengthen the region’s position as a gateway for trade, investment and economic integration.
Dangote reaffirmed the Group’s long-term commitment to Namibia and Southern Africa, pledging further investments in infrastructure to promote economic growth, create employment opportunities and improve prosperity across the continent.
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