Africa's richest man Aliko Dangote plans to build massive fuel storage tanks in Namibia. The billionaire wants his petroleum refinery to dominate gas and diesel supplies across southern Africa. Sources tell Reuters that the tanks will hold at least 1.6 million barrels of fuel. The project will reshape energy trade and give countries like Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe better access to refined products. Construction will start soon at the port city of Walvis Bay.
Dangote spent $20 billion building his refinery that can process 650,000 barrels per day. The plant started operations last year and keeps ramping up production while hunting for new customers. The company wants to supply petrol and diesel to Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Officials are also considering fuel deliveries to southern Democratic Republic of Congo. Namibia Ports Authority confirmed the storage tanks will sit inside Walvis Bay harbour.
The refinery already shipped its first gasoline cargo to Asia last month. That marked the first time Dangote sold fuel outside West Africa. Company bosses say the plant will meet all of Nigeria's fuel demand at full capacity. The rest of the production will get exported to other countries across Africa and beyond.
Dangote spent $20 billion building his refinery that can process 650,000 barrels per day. The plant started operations last year and keeps ramping up production while hunting for new customers. The company wants to supply petrol and diesel to Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Officials are also considering fuel deliveries to southern Democratic Republic of Congo. Namibia Ports Authority confirmed the storage tanks will sit inside Walvis Bay harbour.
The refinery already shipped its first gasoline cargo to Asia last month. That marked the first time Dangote sold fuel outside West Africa. Company bosses say the plant will meet all of Nigeria's fuel demand at full capacity. The rest of the production will get exported to other countries across Africa and beyond.
