en.Wedoany.com Reported - Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan met with Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote, at the State House in Dar es Salaam to discuss new investment plans involving energy, ports, transportation, fertilizer production, and trade. If realized, these projects could reshape the country's infrastructure and manufacturing landscape.
The meeting focused on the Dangote Group's expansion beyond its existing cement business into strategic areas such as energy, ports, transportation, fertilizer production, and regional trade. This move is part of Tanzania's overall strategy to attract large-scale private investment, accelerate industrial growth, create jobs, and solidify its position as an East African manufacturing hub.
Dangote referred to Tanzania as one of Africa's most promising investment destinations and stated that the company is ready to deepen its partnership with the government. He indicated that areas with significant potential value for Tanzania have been identified and that they are prepared to jointly develop them for mutual benefit.
Proposals under discussion involve port infrastructure development, construction of a 40-kilometer concrete access road to improve cargo transportation, and the establishment of special economic zones to boost manufacturing and trade. The energy sector was also a focal point of the talks, with plans to build a 2,000 MW coal-fired power plant to strengthen industrial electricity supply. The discussions also covered fertilizer production and transportation routes connecting Mtwara in southern Tanzania to Mbambabay.
Dangote revealed that, following technical and commercial assessments, the company plans to build its East African refinery in Lamu, Kenya. However, he emphasized that Tanzania still has opportunities to participate in a broader investment framework. He stated that Lamu was chosen after detailed studies, but Tanzania remains an important partner, and he hopes the country can benefit from wider projects.
President Samia welcomed these investment proposals and instructed relevant ministries and government agencies to begin technical assessments in accordance with Tanzanian laws and national development priorities. She appointed the minister responsible for planning and investment to coordinate engagement with Dangote Industries, and a government delegation is expected to visit Nigeria in the coming weeks to advance discussions and develop implementation plans.
Dangote Industries already operates a 3 million metric ton per year cement plant in Mtwara, Tanzania, valued at approximately $500 million, supplying the Tanzanian and surrounding markets. The latest discussions also align with the company's expansion strategy in East Africa. Dangote has announced plans to increase investment in Ethiopia through new manufacturing projects financed by the Africa Finance Corporation, as part of a $7 billion expansion plan that also includes fertilizer production in Nigeria.
Dangote also expressed interest in strengthening investments in Kenya. Although the planned East African refinery is located in Lamu, he believes regional integration offers opportunities that transcend national borders. The company is also exploring opportunities in other East African markets to expand its industrial footprint in the region.
According to the Tanzanian Directorate of Presidential Communications, the government views deepening cooperation with major private investors as central to its strategy for increasing industrial output, creating jobs, boosting exports, and encouraging technology transfer. If the latest proposals move from blueprint to reality, this would represent one of the largest rounds of private sector investment discussions in Tanzania in recent years and further fuel its momentum to become a major industrial economy in East Africa.
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