Namibia and Botswana have unveiled plans to construct a $4 billion joint oil refinery, a project expected to boost regional energy security and reduce dependence on imported fuel.
According to preliminary details, the refinery will have a capacity to process between 60,000 and 100,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Once operational, it will produce a range of essential petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, kerosene, and jet fuel.
The facility will be strategically located near Walvis Bay in Namibia and Ghanzi in Botswana, giving it direct access to transport and trade routes. Beyond serving domestic markets, the refinery is also expected to supply fuel to neighboring countries such as Zimbabwe, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Energy analysts say the project could be transformative for Southern Africa, where fluctuating global oil prices and import reliance have often disrupted local economies. By pooling resources, Namibia and Botswana hope to not only strengthen their own fuel security but also position themselves as regional suppliers.
The refinery, once completed, is projected to create jobs, attract investment, and reduce fuel import costs across the region. However, financing, environmental assessments, and infrastructure development remain key hurdles before construction can commence.
If successful, the project would mark one of the largest energy collaborations in Southern Africa in recent years
