By Omodele Adigun
Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote is preparing a major return to Zimbabwe with plans for a $1 billion industrial complex that will integrate cement production, coal mining, and power generation.
Dangote Group operates in 17 African countries across cement, fertiliser, refinery and logistics infrastructure.
The Dangote Group had explored Zimbabwean opportunities in 2015 and 2018.The project aims to integrate cement production, coal mining, and power generation to drive industrial growth.
This endeavor marks one of the largest privately-led investments in Zimbabwe in over ten years.
Nigerian billionaire and Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote is gearing up for a significant investment drive in Zimbabwe as plans advance for a colossal cement, coal mining and power generation complex worth about $1 billion.
The visit, expected soon, signals a renewed commitment from the Dangote Group, which previously explored Zimbabwe opportunities in 2015 and 2018.
According to organisers familiar with the itinerary, momentum is building for the project, which they believe will bolster Zimbabwe’s standing as a destination for high-value foreign direct investment while creating jobs and driving industrial growth.
Initial engagement between Dangote’s representatives and Zimbabwean officials reportedly took place during the Afreximbank Annual Meetings in Abuja in June.
Paul Tungwarara, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s investment adviser, confirmed that preparations are underway for a high-level meeting between the president and the Nigerian tycoon as per The Zimbabwean.
“The richest man in Africa is coming to Zimbabwe at the invitation of President Mnangagwa,” Tungwarara told journalists. “The two have been in constant communication and we are presently working on the logistical aspects of the visit.”
“We are keen to ensure that he makes a significant investment in Zimbabwe and avoid what happened during his previous visit in 2015, when he came but did not return.”
The Zimbabwean government says preparations are underway for a high-level meeting between Dangote and President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Upon arrival, Dangote is expected to meet President Mnangagwa and senior government officials to discuss key terms, including mining concessions, tax incentives, investment security, and regulatory approvals.
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