The Tanzanian government is seeking fresh investments from Dangote Group in fertiliser production, energy and industrial infrastructure as it moves to accelerate economic development and strengthen its manufacturing base.
Minister of State in the President’s Office responsible for Planning and Investment, Prof. Kitila A. Mkumbo, disclosed this during a visit by a high-powered Tanzanian delegation to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Petrochemicals and Fertiliser Plant in Lagos.
Mkumbo said the visit was part of efforts to follow up on discussions between Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, regarding the expansion of the group’s investments in Tanzania.
“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.
The minister noted that Dangote already operates Tanzania’s largest cement manufacturing plant, with an investment estimated at about $800 million, and has continued to contribute to the country’s industrial development.
He said Tanzania was particularly interested in Dangote Group’s experience in fertiliser production and refinery operations, describing the company’s industrial capabilities as important to expanding manufacturing and supporting economic growth in East Africa.
Mkumbo said deeper cooperation between Tanzania and Dangote could also contribute to broader economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
He argued that while African countries had maintained strong political relationships for decades, greater attention was now needed on economic cooperation, industrialisation and intra-African trade.
“Africa now needs economic liberation, and that can only come through industrialisation,” Mkumbo said.
According to the minister, Dangote represents the type of African industrial enterprise capable of driving economic transformation beyond national borders.
He said Tanzania looked forward to working with the Dangote Group as part of efforts to promote Pan-African industrialisation, expand manufacturing capacity and create more economic opportunities across the continent.
Mkumbo also stressed the importance of local refining capacity to Africa’s energy security, particularly as disruptions in global oil markets continue to expose economies to external price shocks.
He cited tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and their potential impact on global oil and fuel prices as evidence of the need for African countries to develop stronger domestic energy capacity.
The minister said refineries such as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery could help African economies reduce their exposure to external shocks while improving the availability and affordability of petroleum products.
“Affordable and reliable energy remains one of the most important drivers of economic development,” he said.
Mkumbo added that increased refining capacity across Africa could help reduce energy costs and improve living standards.
The Tanzanian delegation’s visit forms part of continuing engagements between Tanzania and Dangote Group to identify new investment opportunities and strengthen economic ties.
The delegation included Minister for Industry and Trade Judith S. Kapinga, Deputy Minister for Energy Salome W. Makamba, Deputy Minister for Minerals Dr Steven L. Kiruswa, Deputy Minister for Transport David M. Kihenzile and Deputy Minister for Works Godfrey M. Kasekenya.
Other members included Permanent Secretary for Planning and Investment Dr Fred Msemwa and Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Selestine G. Kakele.
They were received by senior officials of Dangote Industries Limited, including Group Vice President, Oil & Gas, Devakumar Edwin; Managing Director and CEO of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, David Bird; Group Chief Strategy Officer, Aliyu Suleiman; Group Chief Economist, Dr Hassan Mahmud; and Country Manager and CEO of Dangote Cement Tanzania, Adeyemi Fajobi.
The visit highlights the growing role of private-sector investment in strengthening economic relations between African countries.
For Tanzania, deeper engagement with Dangote could provide access to industrial expertise and capital as the country seeks to expand its manufacturing, fertiliser and energy capacity and strengthen its position within Africa’s increasingly integrated market.
