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Zambia Government Seeks Dangote Support, Minister Says

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Zambia Seeks Dangote Support

By Tolulope Oke

The Zambia Government has pleaded for the support of Nigeria’s business tycoon Alike Dangote to develop the agricultural sector of their nation.

Chipoka Mulenga, Zambia’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, made the demand last weekend while leading a group from his country on tour to the Dangote Fertilizer factory in Lagos.

The minister remarked that Dangote Cement Zambia had an incredible repertoire and was delivering significant change to the cement business, not only in the Southern African nation but also in other neighboring nations, pointing out that Dangote had already created the largest cement factory in Zambia.

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Mulenga said, “The Zambian government in the last budget made some pronouncements which focus on value addition, industrialisation, skill enhancement and development. We have a huge youthful population who are ready to work if given the opportunity to be productive.

“Rather than continue to import fertiliser from anywhere, we want Aliko Dangote to come and establish plant in Zambia. The country’s fertiliser consumption has increased tremendously in the last few years and has continued to increase.

“I am happy that we no longer have to go outside of Africa to seek investors. Dangote has been able to change the narratives through his investment in cement production across Africa. We now have Africans investing in the Africa continent.

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“Dangote has already established the biggest cement plant in Zambia. Dangote Cement Zambia has a remarkable portfolio and is bringing positive change to the cement industry, not only in Zambia, but also to other neigbouring countries.”

He stated that Zambia was the new investment hotspot in Africa due to its stable political system, stable macroeconomic environment, and guarantees for investment protection. He also noted that Zambia was strong in agriculture and even aimed to become even stronger by establishing its own fertilizer plant.

“This fertilizer plant is not only serving the needs of Nigeria but also attracting foreign exchange into the continent.

“This is a good demonstration that we can have this kind of investment in any part of Africa, which can grow and be beneficial to other countries,” he added.

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