Patience Makwele
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for Namibians to receive first priority in employment and skills development opportunities arising from the N$41 billion Dangote Namibia Tank Farm and Regional Pipeline Project, followed by other Africans.
Speaking at the official launch at Farm 58 in Walvis Bay on Wednesday, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the investment should equip Namibians with skills that would remain useful beyond the completion of the project.
“In executing this project, priority should be given to Namibians, followed by other Africans, so that together we can support one another,” she said.
The President said the project should not only create employment but also provide workers with skills that could make them competitive in the international job market.
“You will be able to seek employment anywhere in the world,” she said, adding that workers could also support their families through savings sent home, contributing to the country’s reserves.
She said the government would broaden its local content framework beyond the oil and gas sector to cover investment across Namibia.
“I acknowledge that I initially concentrated on local content in the oil and gas sector, but we will broaden it to cover investment across Namibia,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
The President also called for more investment in processing and adding value to the country’s mineral resources.
The project is expected to include a petroleum storage facility with a capacity of about 600 million litres, comprising 360 million litres of diesel and 240 million litres of petrol.
It also includes plans for a regional pipeline network of approximately 1 700 kilometres linking Walvis Bay to markets in neighbouring countries.
Dangote Group chairman and chief executive Aliko Dangote said the investment was intended to improve fuel distribution and reduce costs for landlocked countries.
“When we invest in the pipeline, it is not simply because we want to make money. We want to invest heavily so that landlocked countries can access petroleum products at cheaper prices,” Dangote said.
Dangote also said the group remained committed to local procurement and community engagement.
Adding that the company said the investment would create opportunities for Namibian contractors, transporters, professionals and small businesses.
Erongo Governor Nathalia /Goagoses welcomed the investment, saying it could strengthen the region’s position as a gateway for trade, investment and economic integration.
“We recognise the significance of this investment and look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership. Sustainable development can only be achieved through strong partnerships, collaboration and a shared vision,” she said.
The President said the investment should also support local processing and value addition.
“I want to see more plants that add value to the mineral resources we have in this country,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
Dangote said construction of the tank farm was expected to take between 18 and 20 months.
“When we invest in the pipeline, it is not simply because we want to make money. We want to invest heavily so that landlocked countries can access petroleum products at cheaper prices,” he said.
