The meeting, held at the State House in Dar es Salaam, centred on expanding cooperation between the Government of Tanzania and the Dangote Group in strategic sectors including energy, gas, ports, industries, fertilisers and infrastructure development.
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During the discussions, Alhaji Aliko Dangote praised the Tanzanian government for improving the country’s business and investment environment, particularly through the resolution of challenges that had affected operations at the company’s cement factory in Mtwara Region.
According to him, the interventions undertaken by President Samia’s administration have significantly boosted operational efficiency and strengthened investor confidence in Tanzania.
“I want to sincerely thank you for addressing the many challenges of our Mtwara Cement Factory investment. When you came to power, we had many challenges, but as you promised, every challenge has been addressed appropriately,” Alhaji Dangote said.
The billionaire businessman disclosed that Dangote Group has already introduced 400 trucks powered by natural gas (CNG) for cement transportation and distribution across the country, as part of a broader plan to convert 700 trucks to alternative energy sources.
He noted that the move is aimed at reducing operational costs and improving efficiency while supporting cleaner energy use.
Alhaji Dangote further revealed that the factory is expected to produce about 2.8 million tons of cement this year, moving closer to its annual target of 3.2 million tons.
Partnership
The discussions also highlighted prospects for a major partnership between Tanzania and the Dangote Group to establish a crude oil refinery project estimated at 17 billion US dollars.
The proposed refinery is expected to serve not only Tanzania but also other East African countries and Ethiopia, while opening opportunities for regional participation through shareholding arrangements.
Global Price Fluctuations
Dangote said the project would strengthen Africa’s capacity for self-sufficiency in petroleum production and reduce dependence on external markets and global price fluctuations.
On her part, President Samia Hassan assured the company of continued government cooperation and encouraged Dangote Group to explore additional investment opportunities in Tanzania.
She also welcomed the company’s interest in fertiliser production, noting that local demand for fertiliser currently exceeds domestic production capacity.
