The saying that a prophet is not without honour save in his own country was amply demonstrated in the recent invitation by President Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon to Nigerian billionaire, Africa’s richest man and President and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote, to invest in cement and fertiliser production in his Central African natural resource-rich country.
Dangote is currently embroiled in a face-off with Nigerian oil industry managers over the quality of products from his $11bn refinery located in Lekki, Lagos State.
While oil industry managers in Nigeria claim that the quality of products from the $11bn, much-vaunted Dangote refinery is in doubt, Dangote has challenged experts to conduct an independent inquiry into the claims, alleging that managers badmouthing the refinery is guilty of plots to render it moribund so they continue with the corruption-ridden fuel importation chain.
However, in an appeal to Dangote who visited him at the presidential palace, President Nguema urged the Group Chairman of DIL, to explore potential investment opportunities in the country’s cement and fertilizer sectors, specifically urea and phosphate production.
During the visit, Dangote engaged in discussions with President Nguema and other top government officials, with the talks centring on how Dangote Industries could contribute to Gabon’s economic growth by establishing cement and fertilizer plants, which are vital to the country’s infrastructure development and agricultural productivity.
Expressing his enthusiasm about the potential partnership, a clear indication of Gabon’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for foreign investments, Nguema noted that the collaboration with Dangote Industries would bring significant benefits, including job creation, technology transfer and enhanced industrial capacity.
Dangote, renowned for his successful business ventures across Africa, underscored his company’s dedication to fostering economic development in the continent, pointing out that investing in Gabon’s cement and fertilizer sectors aligned with his Group’s strategic vision of expanding its footprint and supporting sustainable development across Africa.
“We are excited about the opportunity to invest in Gabon. Our goal is to contribute to the country’s economic diversification and industrialization efforts. By leveraging our expertise in cement and fertilizer production, we aim to support Gabon’s infrastructure and agricultural sectors,” Dangote stated.
The potential investment by Dangote Industries in Gabon is expected to bolster the country’s industrial landscape, ensuring a steady supply of essential materials for construction and agriculture, aligning with President Nguema’s vision of transforming Gabon into a diversified and self-sustaining economy.
In the coming months, further discussions and assessments are expected to be conducted to finalize the investment plans, even as expectations are high that the collaboration between Dangote Industries and the Gabonese government would usher in a regime of robust partnership that would significantly impact Gabon’s economic landscape.
