Stories

Fri, 25 Sep 2026

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 Africa's richest man helps fund $660m fuel pipeline between Ethiopia and Djibouti

The pipeline would strengthen energy security in landlocked Ethiopia, while creating jobs at Djibouti's port.
Aliko Dangote, Africa's richest man, has invested in a $660m fuel pipeline project between Ethiopia and Djibouti. The 120km pipeline will connect Djibouti's port to a distribution facility in Ethiopia, reducing transportation time from five days to one day. The project aims to strengthen Ethiopia's energy security and make its fuel supply chain more resilient. Dangote's investment is part of his wider expansion of infrastructure and manufacturing businesses across Africa. His company, Dangote Cement, has production capacity of 55 million tonnes a year, while his oil refinery in Nigeria currently processes 700,000 barrels of crude a day. The pipeline is expected to begin operations within 18 months and will transport key petroleum products such as jet fuel, diesel, and petrol. The project is also expected to create jobs and increase port activity in Djibouti, leading to higher government revenues.