Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Djibouti President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh have commended Dangote Group’s $660 million Damarjog-Dewele Oil Terminal and Pipeline Project, describing it as a major infrastructure investment capable of transforming regional trade and energy supply.

The leaders spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony for the project at the Damerjog Industrial Development Free Trade Zone in Djibouti.

The project involves the construction of a 120-kilometre multiproduct pipeline connecting marine and coastal storage facilities at Damarjog in Djibouti with inland storage and distribution facilities at Dewele in Ethiopia.

Upon completion, the pipeline is expected to facilitate the movement of refined petroleum products into Ethiopia, reduce transportation bottlenecks and improve the reliability of fuel supplies to the country and the wider region.

Boost to Djibouti

President Guelleh said the project would support Djibouti’s ambition to become a major logistics, industrial and energy hub in Africa.

“Today marks an important chapter in Djibouti’s journey toward becoming a premier centre for logistics, energy, and industrial development. The Damarjog-Dewele Pipeline Project is not merely infrastructure; it is an investment in the future prosperity of our region,” he said.

According to him, the investment would increase trade volumes, expand port operations, attract additional investments and create direct and indirect employment opportunities.

“We are proud to partner with the Dangote Group in delivering a project that demonstrates the strength of African-led investment and practical African solutions to African challenges,” Mr Guelleh said.

On his part, Prime Minister Abiy said the pipeline would strengthen Ethiopia’s energy security by providing a more efficient and reliable channel for transporting refined petroleum products.

“Ethiopia’s continued economic expansion depends on reliable and efficient access to energy resources. This pipeline will provide a modern, dependable, and cost-effective system for transporting refined petroleum products into the country, thereby enhancing our energy security and reducing supply-chain vulnerabilities,” he said.

He said the project would support sectors including aviation, transportation, agriculture, manufacturing and construction by improving access to petroleum products.

The prime minister also said the infrastructure would reduce losses associated with long-distance transportation and improve the efficiency of Ethiopia’s petroleum distribution network.

He described the project as another example of economic cooperation between Ethiopia and Djibouti.

The project will reduce logistics risks

Speaking at the ceremony, Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, said the project was part of the group’s broader efforts to develop infrastructure that supports Africa’s economic growth and self-sufficiency.

“This project is designed to enhance energy security, improve supply-chain efficiency, and create sustainable economic value for both Djibouti and Ethiopia,” Mr Dangote said.

He said Djibouti would benefit from increased port activity, revenues and employment, while Ethiopia would gain improved energy security and reduced logistics constraints.

Mr Dangote noted that the Djibouti corridor is a major route for Ethiopia’s imports and exports, including petroleum products.

According to him, the pipeline would reduce dependence on long-distance tanker movements, ease congestion and lower operational risks associated with transporting petroleum products by road.

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The project is also expected to create jobs during construction and operation and provide opportunities for local contractors, suppliers, transport operators and communities.

The Damarjog-Dewele project is part of Dangote Group’s Vision 2030 strategy, under which the conglomerate plans to invest $50 billion across Africa in industrial and energy infrastructure.

Mr Dangote said the group’s objective was to support African countries in reducing dependence on imports and increasing local production.

“Our vision is to support African countries in becoming self-sufficient in products for which they possess the raw materials, market demand, and strategic necessity,” he said.

The project further expands Dangote Group’s investments in Africa’s energy and industrial sectors, following the development of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Nigeria and other investments across the continent.