Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has partnered with the governments of Ethiopia and Djibouti to develop a $660 million refined petroleum products pipeline linking the two East African countries.

The proposed pipeline is designed to transport refined petroleum products from Djibouti’s coastal facilities into landlocked Ethiopia, strengthening regional fuel supply, reducing transportation costs and improving energy security.

The project forms part of broader efforts to modernise East Africa’s energy infrastructure and support growing demand for refined petroleum products across the region.

According to officials, the pipeline will provide a more efficient alternative to the current heavy reliance on road transport for fuel distribution between Djibouti and Ethiopia, where thousands of tanker trucks move petroleum products across the border each year.

Dangote’s involvement underscores the expanding regional footprint of the Dangote Group following the commencement of operations at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Nigeria.

The $660 million project is expected to boost cross-border trade, improve logistics and enhance the reliability of fuel deliveries to Ethiopia, one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies.

Construction timelines and additional implementation details are expected to be announced as the project progresses, with the pipeline regarded as a strategic investment in East Africa’s long-term energy and transport network.