Tanzania pushes for more Dangote investments in fertiliser, energy, infrastructure

Tanzania is courting Dangote Group for fresh investments in fertiliser production, energy and industrial infrastructure, building on the company's existing $800 million cement plant in the country. Minister of State in the President's Office for Planning and Investment, Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, led a delegation to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals in Lagos to continue discussions.

Follow-up on presidential meeting

Mkumbo said the visit follows an earlier meeting between Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited. 'We have come here to make a follow-up on what they deliberated with our president in terms of further Dangote investments in Tanzania,' he said.

Dangote already operates Tanzania's largest cement manufacturing plant, with investment estimated at about $800 million. Tanzania is particularly interested in Dangote's experience in fertiliser manufacturing and petroleum refining, sectors seen as critical to strengthening the country's industrial base.

Africa needs economic liberation

Mkumbo argued that African countries must shift from political cooperation towards greater industrial and economic collaboration. He said deeper partnerships with major African companies such as Dangote could help advance the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by expanding manufacturing capacity and strengthening intra-African trade.

'Africa now needs economic liberation, and that can only come through industrialisation,' he said. He described Dangote as one of Africa's leading industrialists, noting that the group's investments across the continent were helping to expand local production and industrial capacity.

Energy security on the agenda

The minister also stressed the importance of expanding refining capacity within Africa to improve energy security and reduce the continent's exposure to international market shocks. He referenced the impact of tensions around the Strait of Hormuz on global energy prices, saying greater domestic refining capacity could help African economies manage disruptions in the global oil market.

According to Mkumbo, reliable and affordable energy is essential for sustainable economic development. He said investments in refining and other energy infrastructure could lower costs for businesses and households while improving living standards.

What it means for Nigeria

For Nigerian businesses, the push for more Dangote investments in Tanzania is another sign that the country's corporate giants are becoming key players in Africa's industrialisation drive. It also highlights the growing importance of intra-African trade as Dangote expands its footprint beyond Nigeria.