African industrialist Aliko Dangote is planning to invest more than $3.5 billion in a proposed 2,650-kilometre petroleum-products pipeline network, marking an ambitious step toward strengthening Africa’s energy infrastructure and regional connectivity.
The main route would connect Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. Furthermore, another line would extend through Zimbabwe and Zambia to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), creating new links between key markets across Southern Africa.
In addition, the network could support more reliable and efficient fuel distribution, while opening new opportunities for regional trade, investment and economic cooperation.
Most importantly, the project showcases Africa’s growing capacity to develop large-scale infrastructure through African-led investment. It forms part of Dangote’s wider expansion across the continent as his Nigerian refinery increases production and reaches new markets.
If implemented as planned, the network could become a significant boost to Southern Africa’s energy connectivity, strengthen regional supply chains and support the continent’s broader industrial transformation.
Details on the project’s funding, approvals, construction plans and expected completion date are yet to be made public as discussions around the proposed network continue.
