President intervenes to save N$41.1 billion Dangote investment
Namibian president personally persuaded industrialist Aliko Dangote to continue with the project after his team faced bureaucratic delays.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah revealed on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, that Namibia nearly lost a N$41.1 billion investment from Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote due to government bureaucratic delays. The Dangote Namibia Tank Farm and Regional Pipeline Project, valued at US$2.5 billion, was at risk of being abandoned. President Nandi-Ndaitwah personally intervened by contacting Dangote to plead for patience and ensure the project proceeded.
The President stated she placed the project directly under the Office of the President, assigning National Planning Commission Director General Ambassador Kaire Mbuende to oversee its implementation. This action followed past experiences where similar projects, including a proposed shipyard, were lost after investors became frustrated with administrative obstacles over several years. The shipyard investors withdrew after four years of trying to establish their project.
Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed determination to prevent another investment loss, citing the urgent need for job creation and poverty reduction. She instructed relevant ministries and the National Planning Commission to work closely with Dangote Industries, declaring the project a "presidential project" until completion. This intervention aims to create an environment where investors are supported by efficient processes, rather than requiring presidential intervention.
Why it mattersNamibian citizens are affected by the potential loss of major investments that could create jobs and reduce poverty due to bureaucratic inefficiencies.