Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has called on President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to open more investment opportunities for his business group in Namibia, saying the US$2.5 billion petroleum storage and pipeline project launched at Walvis Bay on Wednesday is only the beginning of his investment ambitions in the country.
“Give us more opportunities. We want to invest more. We want to do more with your government,” Dangote said during the launch of the Dangote Namibia Tank Farm and Regional Pipeline Investment on 4 November 2026.
He described the planned development, which includes a 600-million-litre petroleum storage facility and approximately 1,700 kilometres of regional pipelines, as the first step in what he hopes will become a much larger investment relationship with Namibia.
“When you visit a restaurant, you are served the first course. Your Excellency, consider this investment our first course in Namibia.”
“We do not intend to launch this project and walk away.”
Dangote said his group’s investment ambitions across Africa had grown from US$50 billion to US$60 billion by 2030, signalling its intention to expand beyond existing petroleum, fertiliser and industrial infrastructure investments.
“Your Excellency, the point is simple: what we are launching today represents an investment of US$2.5 billion, but Namibia deserves much more,” he said.
The Nigerian industrialist credited Nandi-Ndaitwah with helping facilitate the Walvis Bay investment, recalling an assurance she gave him when they first discussed the project.
“From the very first day we met, you assured me that this project would receive the necessary support. You said, ‘Don’t worry, it will be done.'”
“Today, you have delivered on that promise, and I sincerely thank you.”
Dangote said trust between investors and governments was essential to attracting long-term capital, describing the Namibian president’s support as an important factor behind the group’s decision to proceed.
The proposed petroleum storage facility will be developed on approximately 70 hectares at Farm 58, about 10 kilometres east of Walvis Bay.
It will provide storage capacity for approximately 600 million litres of petroleum products, comprising 360 million litres of diesel and 240 million litres of petrol.
The development will also incorporate truck-loading, dispensing and associated distribution infrastructure.
Beyond the tank farm, Dangote plans to establish a regional pipeline network of approximately 1,700 kilometres, linking Walvis Bay to markets across Southern Africa.
The proposed pipeline will run from Walvis Bay towards Otjiwarongo, with branches extending northwards towards Rundu and eastwards towards Ghanzi and Francistown in Botswana.
The wider distribution network is intended to serve Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and the southern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Dangote said the final pipeline alignment and length would be determined following detailed engineering studies, route surveys and the necessary regulatory approvals.
The investment is intended to establish Walvis Bay as a major Atlantic petroleum distribution gateway, reducing dependence on existing fuel transportation routes and improving supply reliability across the region.
Dangote expressed confidence that the project would also contribute to reducing petroleum costs.
“Your Excellency, I am confident that this investment will contribute to making petroleum products more affordable in Namibia and the wider region.”
He said Botswana would benefit from additional petroleum supply options, while Zambia’s mining and energy-intensive industries could gain access to more efficient fuel deliveries.
Zimbabwe and other regional markets are also expected to benefit from alternative supply routes that could ease logistical constraints and transportation costs.
Dangote said the investment would create opportunities for Namibian contractors, transport operators, professionals, young people and small businesses during construction and operation.
The group intends to support local procurement, skills development and participation by communities surrounding the development.
He also emphasised that environmental clearance, safety and community engagement would be important components of the project.
The proposed infrastructure remains subject to engineering studies, environmental processes and regulatory approvals, while specific construction timelines and employment projections were not provided in his address.
Dangote acknowledged the role of the National Planning Commission, the Erongo regional leadership and government officials in facilitating the investment.
He also praised African Export-Import Bank president and board chairman George Elombi, highlighting the importance of African financial institutions in financing large infrastructure projects.
The Namibia investment forms part of Dangote Industries’ strategy to develop interconnected petroleum production, storage and distribution infrastructure across Africa.
Dangote said the group was progressing with plans for a US$16 billion refinery and petrochemicals complex in Lamu, Kenya, with proposed refining capacity of 700,000 barrels per day.
The Kenyan project also envisages 1,000 megawatts of electricity generation, while the group has acquired a 25% stake in the Kenya Pipeline Company.
In Ethiopia, Dangote said the group’s partnership with Ethiopian Investment Holdings had expanded into an industrial investment exceeding US$4 billion, including fertiliser production, gas pipeline infrastructure and associated manufacturing facilities.
He also highlighted a US$660 million petroleum products corridor linking Djibouti and Ethiopia, comprising a 120-kilometre pipeline and storage facilities.
Dangote said these projects demonstrated the potential for African businesses and financial institutions to finance infrastructure that strengthens regional trade and industrial development.
Returning to Namibia, he assured Nandi-Ndaitwah that his group intended to build a lasting investment relationship with the country.
“We will not disappoint you. We will deliver as promised.”
