NEWS
What Investing in Africa Means to Aliko Dangote
By Ehi Braimah
When conversations turn to investment in Africa, one name consistently dominates the discussion: Aliko Dangote. Over the past four decades, the Nigerian industrialist has become more than Africa’s richest businessman – he has emerged as one of the continent’s most influential advocates for industrialisation, value addition and economic self-reliance.
His investments tell a story that goes beyond profit; they reflect a philosophy that Africa can no longer afford to remain merely a supplier of raw materials while importing finished products at enormous cost.Dangote’s vision is rooted in a simple but transformative belief: Africa must produce what it consumes and trade more with itself.
This conviction aligns perfectly with the aspirations of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to create a single African market and stimulate manufacturing, investment and intra-African trade.Unlike many investors who view Africa as a collection of disconnected national markets, Dangote has consistently viewed the continent as one vast economic space with immense potential. His strategy has therefore been to establish industries that solve critical supply gaps while creating jobs, developing local expertise and reducing dependence on imports.
His most visible success story is cement. Through the Dangote Cement Group, he transformed Nigeria from one of the world’s largest cement importers into a net exporter. Today, the company operates manufacturing plants in numerous African countries, including Ethiopia, Tanzania, Senegal, Zambia, Cameroon, Congo, South Africa and Ghana, among others. Collectively, these investments have created tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs while supplying the materials needed for roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, housing and other infrastructure that underpin economic development.
Dangote has repeatedly argued that infrastructure is impossible without locally available cement. By manufacturing close to African markets, his company reduces transportation costs, conserves foreign exchange and builds domestic industrial capacity. The result is not merely commercial success but the strengthening of Africa’s productive economy.
Dangote’s US$45 billion capital expansion programme (2026–2030) across Africa clearly underscores his vision of prosperity for the continent. Dangote Cement alone has invested US$8.5 billion across Africa in 15 years. However, his commitment extends beyond cement into agriculture and food security. Through Dangote Sugar Refinery, he has invested heavily in integrated sugar production with the objective of reducing Africa’s dependence on imported sugar. The strategy combines cultivation, processing and refining, creating agricultural value chains that benefit farmers, transporters, processors and distributors.
Sugar, often overlooked in discussions of industrialisation, illustrates Dangote’s broader philosophy. Africa possesses fertile land, favourable climate and abundant labour. Yet, billions of dollars leave the continent annually to import products that could be produced locally. Dangote believes reversing this trend is essential for sustainable development.
The same philosophy explains his investment in fertiliser. The Dangote Fertiliser Plant in Nigeria is among the largest granulated urea fertiliser facilities in the world. Its significance extends well beyond Nigeria’s borders. Fertiliser is fundamental to improving agricultural productivity across Africa, where millions of smallholder farmers struggle with declining soil fertility and low crop yields.
By producing fertiliser locally, Africa reduces import dependence while making strategic input more accessible to farmers. In Ethiopia, Dangote has invested over US$4 billion in the country’s fertiliser plant to cut imports and reduce forex pressure. Higher agricultural productivity contributes directly to food security, export competitiveness and rural prosperity. For Dangote, industrialisation and agriculture are complementary pillars of economic transformation rather than competing priorities.
Perhaps no investment better illustrates his long-term vision than the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. For decades, Nigeria – despite being one of Africa’s largest crude oil producers – imported much of its refined petroleum products. This paradox imposed enormous costs on the economy and exposed the country to supply disruptions and foreign exchange pressures.
The refinery seeks to reverse this historical anomaly by refining crude oil domestically on an unprecedented scale. Beyond meeting Nigeria’s needs, it has the capacity to supply refined petroleum products to many African countries, reducing the continent’s dependence on imports from Europe, Asia and the Middle East. It also demonstrates that Africa can execute world-scale industrial projects despite enormous financial, technical and logistical challenges.
Dangote’s ambitions are increasingly continental. Reports of planned refinery investments and partnerships in Kenya reflect his broader vision of strengthening Africa’s energy security and industrial base beyond Nigeria. The proposed 700,000 bpd refinery in Kenya will cost about US$17 billion, and it is projected that it will take about three to five years to build. Whether through new investments, partnerships or strategic supply arrangements, the objective remains consistent: creating integrated African value chains capable of supporting economic growth across multiple countries.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos has significantly strengthened Nigeria’s energy security at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, where conflicts have disrupted global oil supply chains and fuel markets. By refining crude oil locally, Nigeria has reduced its dependence on imported petroleum products, making the country less vulnerable to external supply shocks, freight disruptions and price volatility.
Had the refinery not come on stream, Nigeria would likely have faced acute petrol shortages, steeper pump prices and intensified pressure on scarce foreign exchange needed for fuel imports. Increased demand for U.S. dollars would have placed further strain on the naira, worsening exchange rate instability and fueling inflation across the economy. While Nigeria remains exposed to global crude oil price movements, the Dangote Refinery has provided a vital buffer, enhancing energy resilience, conserving foreign exchange and reinforcing the country’s economic stability during a period of global uncertainty.
Central to Dangote’s philosophy is his confidence in Africa’s future. He has frequently encouraged both African and international investors to stop seeing Africa through the narrow lens of political instability, poverty and risk. Instead, he points to the continent’s rapidly growing population, expanding middle class, abundant natural resources and entrepreneurial energy as compelling reasons to invest.
He often reminds audiences that every successful economy was built by investors willing to take calculated risks. In his view, Africa’s challenges should not discourage investment; rather, they represent opportunities to create solutions that generate both commercial returns and lasting social impact.
His message to African governments is equally consistent: sustainable development requires policies that encourage industrial investment, protect legitimate businesses, improve infrastructure and create predictable regulatory environments. Investors need confidence that long-term projects will receive stable policy support.
Dangote also believes that African capital should play a leading role in Africa’s development. While foreign direct investment remains valuable, local investors understand African markets more deeply and are often willing to commit for the long term. Their success, he argues, inspires confidence among international investors.
The emergence of the AfCFTA makes Dangote’s vision even more relevant. A continent-wide market of over 1.4 billion people offers manufacturers unprecedented opportunities to achieve economies of scale. Companies producing cement, fertiliser, sugar and refined petroleum products can increasingly serve multiple African markets under a more integrated trading framework. This is precisely the future Dangote has anticipated through decades of cross-border investment.
Ultimately, Aliko Dangote’s legacy will not be measured solely by his wealth but by the industries he has built and the confidence he has inspired in Africa’s economic potential. His investments demonstrate that African entrepreneurs can conceive, finance and execute projects of global significance. They show that industrialisation is not an abstract aspiration but a practical pathway to jobs, technology transfer, export growth and shared prosperity.
As global investors gather at Africa-focused business summits from Abuja to Nairobi, Accra, Kigali, Lome, Abidjan, Johannesburg, London, New York, Washington DC, Paris, Dubai, Beijing, Moscow, Singapore and beyond, Dangote’s journey offers an important lesson: investing in Africa is not an act of charity; it is a strategic economic decision grounded in the continent’s vast opportunities.
His life’s work is an enduring reminder that Africa’s greatest wealth lies not only beneath its soil but also in its capacity to manufacture, innovate and create value for its own people and for the world.
Ehi Braimah is a public relations specialist, marketing strategist and publisher/editor-in-chief of Naija Times and Lagos Post. He is a strong advocate for African prosperity and can be reached through: ehi.braimah@neomedia.com.ng.
By David Torough, Abuja
The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has commenced the 2026 Rapid Response 3 (RR3) Crisis Response Exercise in Asaba, Delta State, marking the first time Nigeria’s national multi-agency crisis simulation is being conducted outside the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The five-day exercise, which began on Monday, September 7, and is scheduled to end on Friday, September 11, brings together relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), security and emergency response organisations, strategic partners and other stakeholders to test and strengthen the country’s preparedness for complex emergencies and security-related incidents.
The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation is among the key partners participating in the exercise.
Speaking at the opening ceremony in Asaba, Director of the Presidential Command and Control Centre, ONSA, and Director of the exercise, Rear Admiral Ayo-Vaughan, said RR3 was designed to evaluate existing crisis-response plans, strengthen inter-agency coordination and identify gaps requiring improvement.
According to him, Rapid Response 3 is the codename for the 2026 crisis-response exercise organised by ONSA and represents the seventh national crisis-response simulation conducted by the agency.
He noted that the previous six exercises were held in Abuja, while the decision to hold the 2026 edition in Delta State was intended to test national crisis-response arrangements in a sub-national environment.
The full-scale exercise will involve two simulated crisis scenarios conducted sequentially at the Asaba International Airport and along the Benin-Asaba Expressway.
Participants will operate under the Gold, Silver and Bronze command structure established by the National Crisis Management Doctrine, representing the strategic, operational and tactical levels of coordination.
The exercise will also assess communication and information-sharing systems, command and control arrangements, operational procedures and the ability of participating agencies to respond effectively to simulated emergencies.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Eze Emu, alongside senior government officials, security and emergency response commanders, heads of MDAs, strategic partners and members of the media.
ONSA assured residents that the exercise is a controlled simulation and does not represent an actual emergency or security incident.
The agency warned, however, that residents may witness increased movements of security personnel, vehicles and emergency response teams around designated areas during the exercise. It urged the public not to panic or mistake the activities for a real emergency.
Rear Admiral Ayo-Vaughan also called on the media to rely only on verified information in reporting the exercise and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports that could cause unnecessary public alarm.
He said the lessons and observations from the exercise would be documented and used to strengthen Nigeria’s national crisis-management architecture and improve future multi-agency responses to complex emergencies.
By David Torough, Abuja
The Federal Government has pledged its support for the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) to harness Nigeria’s Orange Economy as a driver of job creation, entrepreneurship, economic diversification and sustainable development.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the commitment on Tuesday in Abuja when the Director-General of NIPSS, Prof.
Ayo Omotayo, led a delegation from the institute on a courtesy visit.The meeting focused on the research being undertaken by participants of NIPSS Senior Executive Course 48 and plans for a National Summit and Exhibition on the Orange Economy.
Idris commended NIPSS for choosing the creative economy as the focus of its research, describing the sector as a significant opportunity to diversify Nigeria’s economy, create jobs for young people and promote sustainable prosperity.
“I want to commend NIPSS for this initiative of examining the Orange Economy and entrepreneurship for sustainable development,” the minister said.
He assured the delegation that the Ministry and its agencies would support both the research and the proposed summit. According to him, effective communication would be essential to ensuring that Nigerians and the international community understand the opportunities available in the creative economy.
“This Ministry is essentially about taking information to the public and taking it back from the public. It is a two-way thing,” Idris said.
The minister also highlighted the role of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), which has a nationwide presence, in gathering feedback on the views, needs and aspirations of Nigerians at the grassroots.
He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remained committed to listening to citizens and adjusting policies and programmes where necessary in the national interest.
“The first question the President asks whenever I sit with him is: ‘What are Nigerians saying?’” Idris said.
To strengthen coordination, the minister said the Ministry would designate an official to work with NIPSS as preparations for the proposed summit advance.
Earlier, Omotayo said NIPSS was seeking the Ministry’s partnership in its research and the planned national summit, which is expected to examine how the Orange Economy can contribute to Nigeria’s economic transformation and the administration’s ambition of building a trillion-dollar economy.
He said participants in Senior Executive Course 48 had conducted research visits across Nigeria and to several countries to examine how creative industries are being developed and leveraged for economic growth.
The proposed summit, he added, would bring together government representatives, creatives, entrepreneurs, investors and other stakeholders to explore opportunities across the sector.
“The Orange Economy is a very huge sector. We have identified about 48 subdivisions, and we believe the summit will bring out the potentials in every sector,” Omotayo said.
According to the NIPSS Director-General, Nigeria’s growing creative and digital industries have considerable potential to tackle youth unemployment while creating new avenues for entrepreneurship, investment and wealth creation.
Idris reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with NIPSS and other strategic institutions to turn research and policy ideas into practical opportunities for Nigerians, particularly young people, while strengthening the country’s position in the global creative economy.
The meeting was attended by senior government officials and representatives of NIPSS and the private sector, including Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem C. Ukaire; former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; and other officials.
NEWS
Akpodo Community Appreciates Lydia Memorial Hospital for Medical Outreach, Seeks Road Intervention
By David Torough, Abuja
The Akpodo Community has paid a thank-you visit to the management and staff of Lydia Memorial Hospital, Ugbokolo, in appreciation of a recent medical outreach organised to provide healthcare services to residents of the community.
The delegation, led by the Community Chief, His Royal Highness Chief Mark Baron Onah, also expressed appreciation to the Linda Moro Memorial Foundation and other partners and individuals who supported the outreach.
Speaking during the visit, Chief Onah commended Lydia Memorial Hospital for bringing medical services to the community despite the difficult road conditions.
He described the outreach as a significant humanitarian intervention, particularly at a time when many families are facing economic hardship.
“What baffles me most was that, even when there was no way to our community, you created a way where there was no way, and made sure my people benefited from the outreach,” the traditional ruler said.
Chief Onah said the initiative went beyond healthcare delivery, describing it as a demonstration of compassion, solidarity and concern for the wellbeing of people in underserved communities.
He called on other organisations, philanthropists and well-meaning individuals to emulate Lydia Memorial Hospital by supporting initiatives aimed at improving access to essential services in rural communities.
The community’s Woman Leader, Mrs Kate Onah, also expressed gratitude to the hospital and the Linda Moro Memorial Foundation for what she described as a memorable and impactful outreach.
She commended the organisations for combining healthcare delivery with community empowerment and bringing professional medical attention closer to residents who often face difficulties accessing healthcare.
Responding on behalf of the hospital’s nursing department, the Head of Nursing Department, ACNO Samuel Ajuma, thanked the delegation for returning to the hospital to formally express its appreciation.
Ajuma said the visit demonstrated the community’s acceptance of the outreach and recognition of the efforts of the hospital and foundation.
He added that the initiative was also aimed at strengthening relationships between healthcare providers and the communities they serve.
The Medical Director of Lydia Memorial Hospital, Dr Mark A. C. Ogbodo, used the occasion to draw attention to the poor condition of roads linking Akpodo with neighbouring communities and major markets.
Ogbodo said the deplorable roads were hindering the community’s social and economic development, particularly affecting farmers who rely on the routes to transport agricultural produce to markets.
He appealed to the local, state and federal governments, as well as philanthropists, corporate organisations and other stakeholders, to urgently intervene by grading and improving the roads.
According to him, better roads would improve access to healthcare and other essential services while also helping farmers transport their produce to markets, increase household incomes and strengthen the local economy.
The Linda Moro Memorial Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian service, saying the medical outreach and community empowerment initiatives were inspired by the desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable people.
The foundation said its activities were also intended to preserve the legacy of its late matriarch, Mrs Linda Moro, whose memory continues to inspire acts of compassion, service and community development.
The visit ended with both Akpodo Community and the hospital reaffirming their commitment to sustaining their relationship and exploring further opportunities to improve the wellbeing of people in rural and underserved communities.
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