In a bustling café overlooking the vibrant streets of Harare’s central business district, Hurumende News Hub Editor Abel Karowangoro sat down with Darlington Chitangi, the visionary Chief Executive Officer of Beira Bulk Petroleum Company Limited (BBPC).

Chitangi, a seasoned leader in Southern Africa’s energy sector, is at the helm of the transformative Southern Oil Pipeline Development Project, of about US$ 800 million multi-national initiative poised to redefine regional energy logistics. Over steaming cups of local roast coffee, Chitangi shared his enthusiasm for the project, emphasising its role in fostering economic growth, sustainability, and cross-border unity. What follows is an edited transcript of their engaging conversation, brimming with optimism and forward-looking insights.

Abel Karowangoro (AK): Mr. Chitangi, thank you for carving out time from what I imagine is a packed schedule. BBPC has been making waves with the Southern Oil Pipeline Development Project. Could you start by giving our readers a high-level overview of what this initiative entails and why it’s such a game-changer for the region?

Darlington Chitangi (DC): Thank you, Abel ,it’s a pleasure to be here. Absolutely, the Southern Oil Pipeline Development Project is a transformative regional infrastructure endeavor led by Beira Bulk Petroleum Company Limited (BBPC). At its core, it’s aimed at establishing a multi-product pipeline system stretching from Harare in Zimbabwe to Lusaka in Zambia, with exciting future extensions planned into the Democratic Republic of Congo and Malawi. This isn’t just about pipes and pumps; it’s about building bridges—literally and figuratively, across borders.

The project also includes a state-of-the-art bulk fuel storage terminal at Chongwe in Zambia and a cutting-edge bioethanol fuel blending facility right there in the heart of Zambia.

These strategic investments are designed to supercharge regional energy security, slash transportation costs by up to 30% through efficient pipeline delivery, and ignite cross-border trade throughout the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Imagine: reliable, affordable fuel flowing seamlessly from the Port of Beira in Mozambique, through Zimbabwe, and onward to Zambia and beyond. It’s a lifeline for industries, a boon for consumers, and a catalyst for shared prosperity.

AK: That’s incredibly inspiring. With a price tag of about $800 million and involvement from multiple stakeholders across Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, how has the collaboration been? Any standout moments that highlight the spirit of regional partnership?

DC: Collaboration has been the secret sauce, Abel. From day one, we’ve fostered a true multi-stakeholder alliance, governments, private investors, and local communities all pulling in the same direction. The 500 -kilometre pipeline from Msasa in Zimbabwe to Lusaka is a testament to that unity. We’ve held inclusive forums where Zambian energy experts shared insights on sustainable storage solutions, and Zimbabwean engineers contributed groundbreaking ideas for the bioethanol blending tech. One highlight? A planned joint groundbreaking ceremony at Lionsdane and in Chongwe planned for Q-1 of 2026 will bring together ministers from all three countries, and Families from local villages performing traditional dances, symbolising how this project honours the shared heritage while propelling us into a brighter future. It’s proof that when SADC nations align, we don’t just build infrastructure; we build lasting bonds.

AK: You’ve mentioned the multi-stakeholder approach—could you dive deeper into the ownership structure? I understand there’s a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) at the heart of this, integrating key players from across the region. How does that work, and who are the main partners involved?

DC: Excellent question, Abel, this is where the project’s genius truly shines. To ensure seamless ownership and operations, we’ve established a dedicated Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under BBPC’s umbrella, specifically designed to own, manage, and operate the entire pipeline system. This SPV model promotes transparency, risk-sharing, and long-term accountability, making it a blueprint for other SADC initiatives.

The integration of stakeholders is exemplary: From Mozambique, Companhia do Pipeline Moçambique-Zimbabwe (CPMZ) brings its world-class technical expertise in pipeline operations, leveraging decades of success with the Beira-Feruka line to ensure flawless connectivity from the port onward. On the Zimbabwean side, the National Oil Infrastructure Company (NOIC), now empowered under the Mutapa Investment Fund, provides critical infrastructure know-how and local market insights, drawing from its robust Feruka-Msasa operations that already handle billions of liters annually.
For Zambia, Indeni Energy OMC steps in as a powerhouse in refining and distribution, aligning perfectly with the Chongwe terminal and blending facility to optimize downstream efficiencies.

This SPV isn’t just a legal entity; it’s a powerhouse of synergy. Equity stakes are balanced to reflect each partner’s strengths, CPMZ for its upstream mastery, NOIC for Zimbabwean logistics, INDENI for Zambian end-user focus, and the Mutapa Investment Fund to anchor national development goals, with the remainder from BBPC and strategic private investors the Impero Alliance Group and Diar Consultancy Group

Regular board meetings rotate across Harare, Lusaka, and Beira, fostering trust and innovation. The result? A resilient structure that’s already attracted $240 million in Phase 1 commitments, with dividends projected to flow back to communities through job creation and skills transfer programs.

AK: Speaking of the future, the bioethanol blending facility sounds particularly innovative. How does it fit into broader sustainability goals, and what environmental wins do you anticipate?

DC: Spot on—sustainability is woven into the project’s DNA. The Chongwe facility will blend bioethanol sourced from regional agricultural byproducts, like sugarcane waste from Zimbabwe and Zambia’s thriving cassava farms. This isn’t just cleaner fuel; it’s a circular economy in action, turning potential waste into a renewable powerhouse that reduces carbon emissions by an estimated 20% compared to traditional imports. We’re talking about cleaner air for Lusaka’s bustling streets, lower greenhouse gases for the Zambezi basin, and a model for green energy that other SADC projects can emulate. Plus, it creates jobs in agro-processing—over 1000 direct roles in the first phase alone, empowering women-led cooperatives in rural Zambia. It’s a win for the planet, our people, and the pocketbook, as bioethanol keeps fuel prices stable amid global volatility.

AK: Economic ripple effects are always a big draw for our audience. Beyond cost savings on transport, how do you see this project stimulating growth in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and the wider SADC region?

DC: The economic multiplier is massive, Abel . By positioning Harare as a key distribution hub—complementing the existing Beira-Harare pipeline, we’re unlocking billions in trade value. Zambia’s industries, from mining in the Copperbelt to manufacturing in Lusaka, will benefit from a steady, cost-effective fuel supply, potentially boosting GDP by 2-3% annually through enhanced productivity. In Zimbabwe, we’re already seeing spin-offs: local firms supplying pipeline materials, creating over 1,500 construction jobs, and training programs that upskill youth in pipeline maintenance. Cross-border trade?

Expect a surge—fewer trucks on the roads means safer highways, reduced smuggling, and more fluid commerce with Botswana and Malawi. This project isn’t just fuel; it’s fuel for ambition, turning energy security into a launchpad for SADC’s collective rise as an economic powerhouse.

AK: As CEO, you’ve been instrumental in steering BBPC through this ambitious venture. What keeps you motivated, and what’s your vision for the next five years?

DC: Motivation comes from the faces behind the facts, the truck drivers in Ndola who’ll spend more time with family instead of battling fuel shortages, the young engineers in Harare gaining world-class experience. At BBPC, our culture is all about teamwork and innovation; we’ve built a diverse team that’s agile and responsive, turning challenges into opportunities. Looking ahead, I see the pipeline fully operational by 2028, with DRC extensions feeding into Africa’s green hydrogen revolution—platinum from Zimbabwe blended with our fuels for next-gen applications. We’ll hit 3.5 million metric tons of annual capacity, but more than that, we’ll inspire a new era of SADC integration. It’s not hyperbole: this is our moment to lead, to thrive, and to show the world what collaborative African ingenuity can achieve.

AK: Mr. Chitangi, your passion is contagious. Thank you for this insightful chat—readers, stay tuned for more on how the Southern Oil Pipeline is powering tomorrow’s Africa.

DC: My pleasure, Abel. Let’s keep the conversation going, energy for all, prosperity for all.