By Ollus Ndomu
Africa’s largest refinery, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, is set to build significant fuel storage facilities in Namibia as it pushes to expand its footprint across Southern Africa.
Company officials confirmed plans for storage tanks with a combined capacity of at least 1.6 million barrels of gasoline and diesel. The new hub will not only serve Namibia but also supply neighboring markets in Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
“The facility will ensure a steady and reliable supply of gasoline and diesel to the region,” the refinery said in a statement, describing the project as part of its broader strategy to dominate fuel supply across Southern Africa.
The move is expected to reshape fuel trade flows, giving landlocked countries like Botswana and Zambia easier access to refined petroleum products. Analysts say the planned facility will help reduce dependence on imports from distant suppliers and stabilize supply chains that have often been disrupted by logistical bottlenecks.
Built at a cost of $20 billion, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery began operations last year and has a daily production capacity of 650,000 barrels. It has been seeking new markets as it positions itself as a major player in Africa’s energy sector.
The planned expansion into Namibia is seen as a strategic step to tap into the growing demand for fuel in Southern Africa, where rapid urbanization and industrialization continue to drive consumption.
Industry insiders say the new storage hub could also attract downstream investments in transportation, distribution, and retail, boosting local economies across the region.
“This project is about more than just storage. It’s about securing energy access for millions,” an energy analyst based in Windhoek said.
Dangote’s expansion comes as African nations ramp up efforts to strengthen regional energy security and reduce supply vulnerabilities. The Namibia storage project is expected to break ground later this year, though final timelines have not been announced.
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