“We want to invest more” – Aliko Dangote
The town of Walvis Bay and Namibia as a country are on the brink of industrial transformation, following the launch of the USD2.5 (approximately N$41 billion) Dangote Namibia Tank Farm and Regional Pipeline Project at Farm 58 outside Walvis Bay on Wednesday last week.
The project will be developed on approximately 70 hectares at Farm 58, about 10 kilometres east of Walvis Bay. It is planned to provide approximately 600 million litres of petroleum storage capacity, equivalent to about four million barrels, comprising 360 million litres of diesel and 240 million litres of petrol. The facility will also incorporate truck-loading, dispensing and associated infrastructure to support efficient distribution. Beyond the tank farm, the investment envisages a regional pipeline network of approximately 1 700 kilometres, positioning Walvis Bay as a strategic Atlantic energy gateway and establishing an integrated petroleum supply corridor between the coast and the Southern African hinterland.
These were the words of Aliko Dangote, the founder, president, and chief executive of the Dangote Group, West Africa’s largest business conglomerate. In his speech during the launch, Dangote also expressed the company’s profound gratitude to the President of Namibia, Dr Netumbo Nand-Ndaitwah, the Namibian government and Namibian citizens for their confidence, cooperation and enthusiastic support in the project. According to him, the proposed pipeline will extend from Walvis Bay towards Otjiwarongo, with branches 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 explained that the final alignment and length of the pipeline will be determined following detailed engineering studies, route surveys and the necessary regulatory approvals. “When completed, the project is expected to strengthen energy security, improve supply reliability and deepen economic integration across Namibia and neighbouring Southern African countries. For Namibia, it will help reduce logistical vulnerabilities, improve access to petroleum products and create opportunities in transportation, warehousing, infrastructure and related services,” Dangote remarked. He noted that at Dangote Industries, this investment reflects a simple but powerful conviction, Africa must industrialise Africa. “We must stop asking whether Africa can build at scale and start asking how quickly we can mobilise African capital, African enterprise and strong public-private partnerships to deliver the development our people deserve,” the African billionaire emphasised.
He further remarked that the Walvis Bay terminal is much more than a tank farm, but a platform for energy security, regional commerce and shared prosperity. It will expand strategic petroleum storage, strengthen supply reliability and provide more efficient routes to landlocked markets. During construction and operation, it will also create opportunities for Namibian contractors, transporters, professionals, young people and small and medium-sized enterprises. We intend to support skills development, local procurement and meaningful participation by host communities, as per Dangote. “I am confident that this investment will contribute to making petroleum products more affordable in Namibia and the wider region. We are not coming merely to make money and take it away. Our philosophy is to reinvest profits, bring in additional capital and continue expanding the businesses we establish. Our purpose here in Walvis Bay is therefore clear: to transform this Atlantic gateway into a dependable link between petroleum supply and the communities, businesses and industries that need it. For Namibia, this investment is about connecting the potential of its strategic coastal location with the practical energy requirements of Southern Africa,” Dangote noted.
He also promised that they (Dangote Group) do not intend to launch this project and walk away, directing President Nandi-Ndaitwah (who was in attendance), adding that Namibia deserves much more. “Give us more opportunities. We want to invest more. We want to do more with your government. We are ready to play our part,” Dangote concluded. In opening of her keynote address, Namibian President Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah remarked that “today is the most memorable day of my presidency.” The President lauded the Nigerian businessman and his company for always being ready to contribute to Africa’s prosperity by investing in the African economy.
The project is expected to be completed in 18 to 20 months, as per Mr Dangote.
By Marshallino Beukes
