Aliko Dangote Eyes Namibia for Landmark Investment as Part of Pan-African Expansion Strategy

WINDHOEK – Nigerian billionaire and industrialist Aliko Dangote is considering Namibia as a potential new hub for his group’s multi-billion-dollar investment portfolio. The visit, which included a high-level meeting with Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah this week, is seen as a key signal of Dangote’s commitment to advancing pan-African economic development through African-led investment.

Dangote’s interest in Namibia comes as the country intensifies its efforts to position itself at the forefront of green hydrogen development and private sector collaboration.

“Africa is Africa. It’s not about Nigeria alone,” Dangote told reporters. “If we sit back, there is no entrepreneur from Japan, the U.S., or elsewhere who can come and build our continent for us.”

Fueling the Next Big Move

Dangote’s visit to Namibia follows the recent completion of his flagship $19 billion oil refinery in Nigeria, now the largest of its kind in the world. The 650,000-barrel-per-day facility forms part of a broader energy and industrial manufacturing ecosystem that includes:

• One million tonnes of polypropylene production
• Carbon black feedstock
• Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
• Sulphate chips
• Over 3 million tonnes of fertilizer capacity – the second largest globally

In this context, Dangote views Namibia’s stable governance, natural resources, and commitment to green industrialization as ideal for future expansion.

Why Namibia?

Namibia’s focus on sustainable energy, particularly green hydrogen, and its push for African-led industrial partnerships have drawn attention from global and continental investors alike. For Dangote, it represents a convergence of opportunity and mission.

“We now have oil and gas. We’ve built the largest refinery in the world. But it’s not about Nigeria; it’s about Africa. We must show that it can be done, and done by us,” he said.

He also referenced his R11.4 billion ($620 million) investment in South Africa as part of his wider strategy to promote intra-African trade, job creation, and value addition.

Namibia Welcomes the Opportunity

President Nandi-Ndaitwah responded warmly to Dangote’s overtures, underlining her government’s readiness to support projects that can drive long-term transformation.

“We are too few to be poor, considering the resources we have—both human and natural,” she said.

She described Dangote’s presence as more than a business meeting, calling it a source of inspiration for Namibia’s youth and African entrepreneurs.

“Namibia is ready for this kind of partnership. We don’t want to be seen as a rich continent with poor people. African entrepreneurs like you give hope to the young ones that it is possible,” the president added.

In a clear pitch to attract Dangote Group’s investment, Nandi-Ndaitwah extended a personal invitation: “Consider Namibia as a home away from home.”

- Advertisement -

Pan-African Momentum Building

Dangote Group already operates in more than a dozen African countries, including South Africa, Ethiopia, Zambia, Tanzania, and Senegal. With a proven track record in infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, and logistics, any move into Namibia could further boost the region’s economic prospects while solidifying Dangote’s role as a continental investment powerhouse.