Aliko Dangote, Nigerians wealthiest entrepreneur and one of African industrialist, has emphasized the need for strong leadership and strategic partnerships to drive economic growth and industrialization across the continent.

Dangote stressed the importance of local value addition, intra-African trade, and leveraging partnerships with financial institutions to achieve sustainable growth.

Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, unveiled an ambitious vision to expand his conglomerate into a $100 billion enterprise by 2030, reinforcing his position as one of Africa’s most influential business leaders.

In addition, the billionaire business mogul also plans to expand his refinery investment and double production capacity, a move aimed at slashing fuel prices by up to 50 per cent and boosting Africa’s energy affordability.

Speaking at the Afreximbank Legacy Conference in Cairo, Egypt, Dangote said the group’s growth plan will focus on consolidation, industrial expansion, and cross-border investments that would deepen Africa’s self-sufficiency in key sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure.

Currently valued at over $30 billion, the Dangote Group has interests spanning cement, sugar, salt, fertiliser, and the recently launched Dangote Refinery — the largest single-train refinery in the world.

Dangote, whose net worth is estimated at $30.2 billion, said the next phase of his vision is to double the company’s production capacity across all segments, including refining, to reduce energy costs across the continent. According to him, expanding output at the refinery would allow the group to cut petroleum product prices by as much as 50 per cent, boosting regional competitiveness and reducing Africa’s dependence

Existing Partnerships And Future Plans

Dangote highlighted the existing partnership between the Dangote Group and Afreximbank, which has supported several large-scale projects, including the $20 billion Dangote Refinery.

This partnership demonstrates the potential for African businesses and financial institutions to work together to achieve economic self-reliance and industrial growth.

Dangote’s vision for Africa’s economic transformation includes expanding the group’s operations in various sectors, such as cement, sugar, flour, and oil refining.

 A Call to Action for African Leaders

Dangote urged African leaders to challenge themselves to set lofty goals and prioritize economic development.

He emphasized that sustainable growth will depend on Africa’s ability to process its raw materials and strengthen regional supply chains.

“We must challenge ourselves to set lofty goals. We can no longer afford to export raw materials and import finished goods. Africa must become a continent that produces, processes, and prospers,” Dangote said.

Impact of Dangote’s Projects

The Dangote Group’s projects have already created tens of thousands of jobs and transformed Nigeria into a major player in cement, fertilizer, and refined petroleum exports.

The group’s commitment to Africa’s industrialization agenda has been commended by business and government leaders, who note that Dangote’s investments have contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economic development.