Algiers: President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has called on Africans to leverage internal strengths and global opportunities to fill existing gaps, and adopt a deliberate re-orientation toward the industrialisation of Africa’s manufacturing sector. He stated that this approach would serve as a solution against the current global economic instability.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dangote, who was represented by Mr. Mansur Ahmed, made the call at the ongoing 4th Intra-African Trade Fair in Algiers, Algeria. He encouraged operators in the manufacturing and industrial sectors to embrace a fundamental shift in mindset, develop robust regional value chains, and deepen intra-African trade.
Dangote highlighted that current geo-political tensions and trade wars have prompted major economies to reevaluate their traditional trade partnerships and diversify their supply chains. He urged African exporters to seize this opportunity by competitively supplying the required products.
Expressing gratitude at the company’s Special Day during the event, Dangote said, “I am glad to be here at the 4th Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF). I am immensely grateful to the organisers for inviting me and dedicating this remarkable day to my organisation, Dangote Group. To have today set aside as Dangote Day is both an honour and a privilege.”
He lauded the conveners, including The African Export Import Bank, the African Union Commission, and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, for their role in promoting trade across the continent. He emphasized that the theme ‘Gateway to New Opportunities’ reflects the vast potential within Africa.
Dangote pointed out that Africa’s resources have been exported as primary commodities with limited domestic processing. He advocated for a shift towards industrialisation and the development of Africa’s manufacturing sector, stressing its urgency due to rising youth unemployment and the need for sustainable growth.
He noted that African exporters could benefit by competitively filling the supply gap, and that global instability has encouraged African nations to pursue greater regional self-reliance. This inward focus could lead to the development of robust regional value chains and significantly deepen intra-African trade.
Dangote highlighted his company’s Afrocentric approach, underscoring its commitment to the continent’s growth. He detailed that Dangote has added value to limestone, creating the largest cement company in sub-Saharan Africa, with a production capacity of about 52MMtpa across 10 countries.
He also mentioned the company’s 3MMtpa urea plant, which has made Nigeria a net exporter of granulated urea to various international destinations. Additionally, the commencement of Africa’s largest oil refinery, with a capacity of 650kbpd, is reducing the region’s reliance on imported refined petroleum products.
Dangote concluded by emphasizing that Africa’s immense potential can only be fully realized if nations improve their business environments through policy reforms, infrastructure investment, and incentives to attract private capital.
The Dangote Special Day attracted numerous admirers and attendees, showcasing various Business Units of the conglomerate, such as Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar, Dangote Salt (NASCON), Dangote Fertiliser, Dangote Polypropylene, and Dangote Packaging.
