Walvis Bay:The N$41 billion Dangote Namibia Tank Farm and Regional Pipeline Project, designed to enhance energy security and reduce distribution costs in southern Africa, has been officially launched at Farm 58 near Walvis Bay.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the project involves the construction of a 600 million-litre petroleum storage facility and a regional pipeline network. It is anticipated to position Walvis Bay as a strategic energy gateway, linking Namibia to inland markets and facilitating the distribution of petroleum products to neighboring countries.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Dangote Group president Aliko Dangote emphasized the project's potential to improve fuel reliability, lower distribution expenses, and strengthen energy security across the region. He highlighted the project's role in advancing regional trade and industrial development throughout southern Africa.
The project will cover 70 hectares approximately 10 kilometers east of Walvis Bay and will include 360 million litres of diesel and 240 million litres of petrol. It will also feature truck-loading, dispensing, and distribution infrastructure. A 1,700-kilometer pipeline will connect Walvis Bay to inland markets, with planned extensions towards Botswana and other regional destinations.
The proposed pipeline route includes a north-western branch towards Rundu and an east-west connection towards Francistown, Botswana. The network is expected to serve Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Dangote stated that this investment will establish Walvis Bay as an Atlantic energy gateway, linking coastal infrastructure with inland petroleum markets.
Dangote further stated that the project addresses logistical vulnerabilities, high shipping costs, and energy supply challenges, while creating opportunities in infrastructure, warehousing, transport, and services. He noted that the investment is not solely for profit, but to provide landlocked countries with cheaper access to petroleum products.
Construction of the project is expected to be completed within 18 months.