Tanzania is actively pursuing new investments from Dangote Group in fertiliser production, energy, and industrial infrastructure, as the East African nation seeks to accelerate its economic growth. The announcement was made by Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, Tanzania's Minister of State in the President’s Office responsible for Planning and Investment, during a recent delegation visit to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals in Lagos, Nigeria.
Follow-Up on Presidential Talks
Minister Mkumbo explained that the visit was a follow-up to earlier discussions between Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of Dangote Industries Limited, regarding potential new investment opportunities. "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 stated.
Dangote Group already operates Tanzania's largest cement manufacturing plant, with an investment estimated at about $800 million. The new focus is on sectors critical to strengthening Tanzania's industrial base, particularly fertiliser manufacturing and petroleum refining.
Push for African Industrialisation
During the visit, Minister Mkumbo advocated for stronger economic integration among African countries, emphasising the need to shift from political cooperation towards industrial and economic collaboration. He argued that deeper partnerships with major African companies like Dangote Group could 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," Mkumbo said, describing Dangote as one of Africa's leading industrialists whose investments across the continent are helping to expand local production and industrial capacity.
Energy Security and Refining Capacity
The minister also stressed the importance of expanding refining capacity within Africa to improve energy security and reduce exposure to international market shocks. He referenced the impact of tensions around the Strait of Hormuz on global energy prices, noting that 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. Investments in refining and other energy infrastructure could lower costs for businesses and households while improving living standards.
The latest engagement is part of ongoing discussions between Tanzania and Dangote Group aimed at identifying opportunities for new investments, industrial development, and deeper economic integration across Africa.
