Dangote Group Eyes Multi-Billion Dollar Tanzanian Expansion: Infrastructure, Energy, and Fertiliser Projects Under Scrutiny
Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has engaged in high-level discussions with Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, concerning a significant expansion of the Group’s investments within Tanzania. The talks centred on critical sectors including transport infrastructure, fertiliser production, power generation, port development, and regional trade initiatives.
The meeting, held at the State House in Dar es Salaam, underscored the robust, long-standing partnership between Tanzania and the Dangote Group. It also initiated deliberations on a new investment phase, strategically aligned with Tanzania’s overarching industrialisation and economic transformation agenda, as detailed in a statement released by Dangote Group.
Mr. Dangote articulated that Tanzania continues to present itself as one of Africa’s most compelling investment destinations. He highlighted the Group’s identification of several strategic sectors within the country that possess the potential to generate substantial economic value. “We have identified areas that can deliver significant value for Tanzania, and we are ready to work together to develop them for our mutual benefit,” Mr. Dangote stated.
The comprehensive discussions encompassed a wide array of proposed projects. These include significant port development initiatives, the construction of a 40-kilometre concrete access road designed to enhance port operations, the establishment of a special economic zone, the development of a proposed 2,000-megawatt coal-fired power plant, and the construction of a urea fertiliser plant. Furthermore, transport infrastructure linking Mtwara with Mbamba Bay in southern Tanzania was a key point of discussion.
Mr. Dangote also provided insights into the commercial and technical rationale behind the Dangote Group’s decision to locate its planned East African refinery in Lamu, Kenya. Concurrently, he extended an invitation to the Tanzanian Government to explore participation in this significant investment.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed her appreciation for the Dangote Group’s sustained confidence in Tanzania. She subsequently directed relevant ministries and government agencies to commence detailed technical evaluations of the proposed investments, ensuring alignment with the nation’s legal frameworks, policy objectives, and developmental priorities. The President also designated the Minister of Planning and Investment to spearhead the coordination of this strategic partnership with Dangote Industries Limited. Formal negotiations are anticipated to commence imminently, with both parties expected to engage in substantive discussions in the coming days.
A Tanzanian government delegation, led by the Minister of Planning and Investment, is scheduled to undertake a visit to Nigeria. This visit aims to further advance discussions and collaboratively develop implementation frameworks for the proposed projects, fostering a clear path towards execution.
According to a statement issued by the Directorate of Presidential Communications, the Tanzanian Government reaffirms its unwavering commitment to strengthening partnerships with the private sector. This strategic approach is integral to mobilising productive investment, accelerating industrialisation efforts, promoting technology transfer, and cultivating sustainable employment opportunities across the nation.
Dangote Industries already maintains a significant presence in Tanzania through its $500 million cement plant located in Mtwara. This facility represents one of the country’s largest industrial investments, boasting an annual production capacity of three million tonnes and serving both the domestic Tanzanian market and neighbouring economies. The recent high-level engagement serves to deepen the existing partnership between Tanzania and the Dangote Group, further solidifying the company’s standing as a pivotal private sector investor driving regional industrialisation, infrastructure development, and economic integration across the African continent.
