Africa’s richest man picks Tanzania for next wave of power, fertiliser and transport investments

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is preparing a major expansion of his industrial empire in Tanzania, with plans spanning power generation, fertiliser production, transport infrastructure, ports and a special trade zone following high-level investment talks with President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Dar es Salaam.

• Aliko Dangote plans a major expansion of his investments in Tanzania after talks with President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
• The proposed projects span power generation, fertiliser production, transport infrastructure, ports and a special trade zone.
• Tanzania has directed government ministries to begin technical negotiations on the investments.
• The move strengthens Tanzania’s ambition to become one of East Africa’s leading industrial and logistics hubs.

The proposed investments underscore Tanzania’s growing appeal as one of Africa’s leading destinations for large-scale industrial capital, as governments across the continent compete to attract manufacturing, energy and infrastructure projects capable of creating jobs, boosting exports and accelerating economic growth.

The meeting at the State House reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between Tanzania and Dangote Industries while opening discussions on a new phase of investments aligned with the country’s industrialisation agenda.

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Speaking after the meeting, Dangote said Tanzania remains one of Africa’s most attractive investment destinations, adding that the company had identified several sectors capable of delivering significant economic value.

“We have identified areas that can deliver significant value for Tanzania, and we are ready to work together to develop them for our mutual benefit,” he said.

The discussions covered a broad range of projects, including port development, the construction of a 40-kilometre concrete access road to support port operations, the development of a special trade zone, a proposed 2,000-megawatt coal-fired power plant, a urea fertiliser plant and transport infrastructure linking Mtwara with Mbamba Bay in southern Tanzania.

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Dangote also explained the commercial and technical reasons behind his group’s decision to locate its planned East African refinery in Lamu, Kenya, saying the site offered strategic advantages for serving regional markets. He nevertheless invited the Tanzanian government to participate in the refinery investment.

President Samia welcomed Dangote Industries’ continued confidence in Tanzania and directed relevant ministries and government agencies to begin detailed technical discussions on the proposed investments in line with the country’s legal and development priorities.

She also appointed the Minister of Planning and Investment to coordinate the strategic partnership with Dangote Industries.

Both sides are expected to begin formal negotiations in the coming days, while a Tanzanian government delegation will travel to Nigeria to develop implementation frameworks for the projects.

According to a statement from the Directorate of Presidential Communications, Tanzania remains committed to strengthening partnerships with private investors to mobilise capital, accelerate industrialisation, promote technology transfer and create sustainable employment.

The latest investment push builds on Dangote Industries’ existing presence in Tanzania through its $500 million cement plant in Mtwara, one of the country’s largest industrial investments. The facility produces three million tonnes of cement annually and serves both Tanzania and neighbouring export markets.

Tanzania’s growing appeal

The planned expansion comes as Tanzania positions itself as one of East Africa’s fastest-growing investment destinations through infrastructure upgrades, regulatory reforms and policies designed to attract foreign direct investment.

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Under President Samia, the government has prioritised improving the business environment, expanding transport infrastructure and strengthening regional trade links. The strategy has helped attract renewed investor interest across mining, manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and energy.

For Dangote Industries, the projects would significantly deepen its East African footprint beyond cement manufacturing while reinforcing its broader strategy of investing in industries that address Africa’s infrastructure deficit, food security and energy needs.

If implemented, the investments would further cement Tanzania’s role as a regional industrial hub while strengthening economic ties between East and West Africa.