Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has revealed plans to construct a massive 2,000-kilometre fuel pipeline stretching from Namibia’s Walvis Bay port through Botswana to Zimbabwe’s Bulawayo, following the signing of a $1 billion investment agreement with the Zimbabwean government.
The announcement came after Dangote met with President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Harare on Wednesday, finalizing a comprehensive deal that encompasses multiple sectors including cement manufacturing, power generation, and the landmark pipeline infrastructure. Speaking to Zimbabwean media, Dangote emphasized the strategic importance of the project, stating that his group operates the world’s largest refinery in Nigeria and intends to establish operations in Walvis Bay to supply refined petroleum products throughout the region.
The investment package also includes plans for a fertiliser plant among other ventures. This development follows Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s earlier announcement to build storage facilities in Namibia with capacity exceeding 1.6 million barrels of petrol and diesel, designed to serve as a distribution hub for southern African markets. In June, Dangote conducted a high-level visit to Namibia, meeting with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Bank of Namibia Governor Johannes !Gawaxab, before personally touring Walvis Bay port to evaluate logistics capabilities for the proposed infrastructure.
The pipeline project stands as one of the most ambitious regional energy initiatives in southern Africa, connecting the continent’s emerging markets to one of the world’s largest refining facilities while bolstering energy security, industrial development, and cross-border trade integration.
Source: angolanminingoilandgas.com