Peter Uzoho
The Government of Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening economic cooperation with Dangote Group, expressing strong interest in attracting new investments in fertiliser production, energy and industrial infrastructure to support the country’s long-term development agenda.
Minister of State in the President’s Office responsible for Planning and Investment, Hon. Prof. Kitila A. Mkumbo, disclosed this during a visit by a Tanzanian delegation to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals in Lagos, Nigeria, a statement by Dangote Group revealed.
According to the Minister, the visit was aimed at following up on discussions held earlier this year between President Samia Suluhu Hassan and President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, regarding the expansion of Dangote Group’s investment footprint in Tanzania.
He noted that Dangote already operates Tanzania’s largest cement manufacturing plant with an investment valued at approximately $800 million, adding that the company continues to play an important role in the country’s industrial development.
“We have come here to make a follow-up on what they deliberated with our President in terms of further Dangote investments in Tanzania,” Mkumbo said.
He explained that Tanzania is particularly interested in Dangote Group’s expertise in fertiliser production and refinery operations, describing the company’s industrial capabilities as critical to supporting East Africa’s economic growth.
Beyond the proposed investments, the Minister said stronger collaboration between Tanzania and Dangote Group would further enhance economic cooperation across Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
According to him, although African countries have maintained strong political relationships over the years, the continent must now prioritise economic integration through industrialisation.
“Africa now needs economic liberation, and that can only come through industrialisation,” he said.
Mkumbo described Dangote as Africa’s leading industrialist whose investments are increasingly extending beyond Nigeria to support development across the continent.
He added that Tanzania looks forward to working with Dangote Group as part of a broader vision of accelerating Pan-African industrialisation and strengthening regional manufacturing capacity.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of local refining capacity in improving Africa’s energy security, particularly in light of recent disruptions in global oil markets.
Referring to the impact of tensions around the Strait of Hormuz on global fuel prices, he said increased refining capacity from facilities such as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery would help cushion African economies against external shocks.
According to him, affordable and reliable energy remains one of the most important drivers of economic development, noting that expanded refining capacity across the continent would contribute significantly to lowering energy costs and improving the quality of life for millions of Africans.
The visit forms part of ongoing engagements between the Government of Tanzania and Dangote Group aimed at exploring new opportunities for strategic investment, industrial development and regional economic integration.