The Tanzanian government is seeking new investments from the Dangote Group as part of efforts to expand its industrial and energy sectors.
Tanzania’s Minister of State in the President’s Office responsible for Planning and Investment, Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, made this known during a recent visit by a Tanzanian delegation to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals in Lagos.
Mkumbo said the delegation was in Nigeria to continue discussions on possible investments by the Nigerian conglomerate in Tanzania.
According to him, the talks followed a recent meeting between Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Dangote Industries Limited President and Chief Executive, Aliko Dangote, over opportunities for further investment.
Dangote Group already has a major business presence in Tanzania through its cement operation. The company’s cement plant in the country represents an investment of about $800 million and is the largest cement manufacturing facility in Tanzania.
Mkumbo said Tanzania was particularly interested in Dangote’s experience in fertiliser production and petroleum refining, noting that investments in these areas could help strengthen the country’s industrial base.
He also called for increased economic cooperation among African countries, arguing that the continent must shift from political partnerships to stronger industrial and commercial ties.
The minister said closer collaboration with Dangote could contribute to the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area by increasing manufacturing capacity and promoting trade among African countries.
He further highlighted the importance of refining crude oil within Africa, especially as international disruptions continue to affect energy markets.
According to Mkumbo, events affecting oil transportation through the Strait of Hormuz have demonstrated the vulnerability of countries that depend heavily on imported petroleum products.
He said expanding local refining capacity would help African nations improve energy security, reduce exposure to international market shocks and make energy more affordable.
The Tanzanian government’s engagement with Dangote is therefore expected to focus on potential projects in fertiliser manufacturing, energy and other industrial infrastructure as the country seeks to attract more large-scale investments.
Mkumbo described Dangote as an important African industrial investor and said Tanzania was interested in deepening its partnership with the group to support industrialisation and strengthen regional manufacturing.
