Africa’s richest man to build facility integrating cement, coal, and power production
Harare — Africa’s wealthiest businessman, Aliko Dangote, is set to establish a $1 billion industrial facility in Zimbabwe that will integrate cement manufacturing, coal extraction, and electricity generation, marking one of the largest private sector investments in the country in recent years.
According to reports by The Zimbabwean, discussions between Dangote Group representatives and Zimbabwean officials began during the Afreximbank Annual Meetings held in Abuja in June, where both sides explored potential areas of industrial collaboration.
Paul Tungwarara, Investment Adviser to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, confirmed the development, revealing that plans are underway for a high-level meeting between the Zimbabwean leader and the Nigerian billionaire.
“The richest man in Africa is coming to Zimbabwe at the invitation of President Mnangagwa,” Tungwarara said. “The two have been in constant communication and we are presently working on the logistical aspects of the visit.”
He added that the government is determined to ensure the success of this investment drive, noting that “we want to avoid what happened in 2015 when Dangote came but did not return.”
The proposed project is expected to boost Zimbabwe’s industrial output, create thousands of jobs, and stabilize the country’s power and construction sectors. By integrating cement production, coal mining, and electricity generation within one hub, the Dangote Group aims to achieve energy efficiency and long-term sustainability — a model similar to its integrated operations in Nigeria.
Economic analysts say the investment could serve as a turning point for Zimbabwe’s industrial recovery, particularly amid ongoing efforts to attract foreign direct investment and rebuild infrastructure.
If finalized, the project will further expand Dangote’s continental footprint, reinforcing his vision of building Africa’s most diversified industrial empire — and solidifying economic ties between Nigeria and Zimbabwe.
