RismadarVoice Reporters
November 4, 2026
Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has endorsed Aliko Dangote’s proposed $2.5 billion petroleum storage and regional pipeline project, describing the investment as an important step towards strengthening energy security and industrial development in Southern Africa.
The President spoke on Wednesday during the official launch of the Dangote Namibia Tank Farm and Regional Pipeline Project at Walvis Bay.
She welcomed the investment by Dangote Industries Limited, saying it demonstrated confidence in Africa’s economic potential and could strengthen regional trade and cooperation.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also disclosed that the project had been placed under the direct supervision of her office to accelerate implementation and minimise administrative delays.
The proposed development includes a petroleum storage facility with a capacity of 600 million litres, comprising 360 million litres of diesel and 240 million litres of petrol.
It also features a planned 1,700-kilometre pipeline network intended to connect Namibia with markets in Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The infrastructure is expected to establish Walvis Bay as a major petroleum distribution centre, providing alternative supply routes for landlocked countries.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dangote said the investment would help reduce transportation costs, improve fuel availability and strengthen regional energy independence.
He explained that the project formed part of the group’s strategy to develop interconnected petroleum production, storage and distribution infrastructure across Africa.
Dangote estimated that the storage project could be completed within 18 to 20 months, although the broader pipeline network remains subject to engineering studies and regulatory approvals.
He also announced plans to increase the group’s Africa-wide investment target to $60 billion by 2030, up from an earlier $50 billion.
According to Dangote, greater investment in African industrial infrastructure would help the continent utilise its resources, expand employment opportunities and reduce dependence on external supply networks.
The Namibian government expects the development to create opportunities for local contractors, suppliers and skilled workers.
The project is also intended to support Namibia’s ambitions under the African Continental Free Trade Area by improving regional energy distribution.
However, the proposed economic benefits will depend on successful construction, financing, regulatory approvals and the eventual operation of the infrastructure.
The launch marks the formal unveiling of the investment rather than the completion of the storage facility or regional pipeline.
