By Ayomide Otitoju
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has held high-level talks with President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, on plans to expand the company’s investments in the country, with discussions focusing on transport infrastructure, fertiliser production, power generation, port development and regional trade.
The meeting, held at the State House in Dar es Salaam, reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between Tanzania and the Dangote Group while exploring a new phase of investments aimed at supporting the country’s industrialisation and economic transformation agenda.
Speaking after the meeting, Dangote described Tanzania as one of Africa’s most attractive investment destinations, saying the Group had identified several strategic sectors capable of driving economic growth.
“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,” he said.
The discussions covered several proposed projects, including port development, construction of a 40-kilometre concrete access road to support port operations, establishment of a special trade zone, a proposed 2,000-megawatt coal-fired power plant, a urea fertiliser plant and transport infrastructure linking Mtwara with Mbamba Bay in southern Tanzania.
Dangote also outlined the commercial and technical considerations behind the company’s decision to site its proposed East African refinery in Lamu, Kenya, while inviting the Tanzanian government to participate in the investment.
President Samia welcomed the Dangote Group’s continued confidence in Tanzania and directed relevant ministries and government agencies to begin detailed technical discussions on the proposed projects in line with the country’s legal and development priorities.
She also appointed the Minister of Planning and Investment to coordinate the strategic partnership with Dangote Industries Limited, with both parties expected to commence formal negotiations in the coming days.
A Tanzanian government delegation, led by the Minister of Planning and Investment, is expected to visit Nigeria to advance discussions and develop implementation frameworks for the proposed investments.
According to a statement from the Directorate of Presidential Communications, the Tanzanian government remains committed to strengthening partnerships with the private sector to attract productive investments, accelerate industrialisation, promote technology transfer and create sustainable employment opportunities.
Dangote Industries already operates one of Tanzania’s largest industrial investments through its US$500 million cement plant in Mtwara. The facility has an annual production capacity of three million tonnes and serves both the domestic market and neighbouring countries.
The latest engagement further strengthens the partnership between Tanzania and Dangote Industries, reinforcing the company’s role as one of Africa’s leading private sector investors in infrastructure, manufacturing and regional economic integration.
