Africa-Press – Namibia. Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has signalled possible investment interest in Namibia following his group’s record-breaking energy and industrial expansion across 12 African countries, including a newly completed oil refinery – the largest in the world.
During a high-level meeting at State House yesterday morning, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and the Nigerian billionaire agreed that Africa must be developed by Africans, with both leaders emphasising self-reliance, industrialisation, and pan-African economic solidarity.
“There is no way anybody can come and develop this continent. The continent can only be developed by Africans,” Dangote said in a strong message that resonated with President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s longstanding stance on economic liberation.
He revealed that his company, the Dangote Group, has already invested in over a dozen countries, including $620 million in South Africa, with similar investments in Ethiopia, Zambia and Tanzania. He hinted that Namibia may be next, aligning with the country’s rising energy and green hydrogen profile.
“Africa is Africa. It’s not about Nigeria alone. If we sit back, there is no entrepreneur—whether from Japan, the U.S., or elsewhere—who can come and build our continent for us,” he said.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah welcomed the signal, praising Dangote’s record of delivering value from African soil.
“We are too few to be poor, considering the resources we have—both human and natural,” she said.
“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 underscored that Namibia is ready to partner with African business leaders who create long-term value on the continent.
“Make Namibia your home away from home,” she told Dangote.
Dangote’s remarks came before a closed-door meeting with President Nandi-Ndaitwah, her advisers, and a delegation from the Dangote Group. Both leaders underscored Africa-first development, economic self-reliance, and the critical role of entrepreneurs in reshaping the continent’s future.
“We must encourage other entrepreneurs to see that yes—it is possible,” Dangote said. “We’ve done quite a lot of things that many once thought were impossible. We must keep showing the way.”
Dangote used the meeting to outline his company’s rapid expansion beyond Nigeria, particularly in energy and manufacturing.
He revealed that the Dangote Group had just completed building the largest oil refinery in the world, right in Africa, with a daily capacity of 650 000 barrels.
“We now have oil and gas. We just finished building the largest refinery that has ever been built—not just in Africa, but globally,” he said. “We produce one million tonnes of polypropylene, carbon black feedstock, LPG, sulphate chips and a fertilizer capacity of over three million tonnes—the second largest in the world.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah
“When we meet successful African entrepreneurs like you, it is not just business—it is inspiration. We are looking at people like you to lead the way,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah.
She emphasised that Namibia’s new economic direction is grounded in pan-African collaboration, youth entrepreneurship and value-addition of local resources.
“Namibia is part and parcel of your own country, being an African country,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said. “We believe in Africa for Africans, especially when it comes to our economic and environmental agenda. No one else can liberate us economically but ourselves.”
Commitment
Dangote used the occasion to apologise for missing the President’s inauguration in March, during Namibia’s 35th Independence celebrations.
“I must apologise for not making it to your inauguration. I confirmed I would come, but I got held up. I’ve been travelling up and down. But I think it’s never too late—I am here now,” Dangote told the President.
He expressed gratitude for the warm reception and praised Namibia’s openness to dialogue and regional cooperation.
“Madam President, thank you for touching the right points. Natural resources under the ground mean nothing unless they are harnessed,” he said. “Entrepreneurs like us must lead by example so others can follow. We must build Africa by ourselves.”
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In a gesture of goodwill, President Nandi-Ndaitwah assured Dangote that Namibia is open for partnerships and would welcome investment that creates jobs and drives innovation. She urged him to consider Namibia a second base.
“You are welcome—and may Namibia be your home away from home,” she said.
The meeting ended with mutual agreement that African countries must collaborate, invest in one another, and prioritise value-addition over exporting raw materials.
“Africa must stop exporting wealth and importing poverty,” Dangote said in a powerful remark that summed up the tone of the discussion.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah reiterated that Africa’s transformation will depend on intra-African solidarity and the empowerment of local business leaders.
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