Tanzania is set to receive a massive boost after Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote, held high-level talks with President Samia Suluhu Hassan over the weekend at the State House in Dar es Salaam. The discussions focused on a wide range of mega-projects that could transform the country's infrastructure landscape.
According to sources close to the talks, the proposed investments include the development of port infrastructure, a 40-kilometre concrete access road to support port operations, and the establishment of a special trade zone.
But that is not all. The two sides also discussed a proposed 2,000-megawatt coal-fired power plant, a urea fertiliser project, and transport infrastructure linking Mtwara with Mbamba Bay in southern Tanzania.
Speaking after the meeting, Dangote said Tanzania remains one of Africa's most attractive investment destinations. "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.
Dangote also took time to explain why his group decided to locate its planned East African refinery in Lamu, Kenya, instead of Tanzania. He said the decision was based on commercial and technical assessments, but he still invited the Tanzanian government to participate in the investment.
President Samia welcomed the Dangote Group's continued confidence in Tanzania and directed relevant ministries and government agencies to begin detailed technical discussions on the proposed investments.
She also appointed the Minister of Planning and Investment to coordinate the strategic partnership, with formal negotiations expected to begin in the coming days. A Tanzanian government delegation is also expected to visit Nigeria to advance the discussions and develop implementation frameworks for the projects.
This latest move is part of Dangote Group's broader expansion strategy across East Africa. The group already operates a $500 million cement plant in Mtwara with an annual production capacity of three million tonnes, supplying both the Tanzanian market and neighbouring countries.
Beyond Tanzania, Dangote has also announced plans to invest in a refinery in Kenya's Lamu and a larger fertiliser complex in Ethiopia, as part of its target to invest about $40 billion across Africa over the next five years.
For Tanzania, these projects could be a game-changer. They align with the country's industrialisation agenda and could create thousands of jobs, boost exports, and accelerate economic growth.
According to a statement from the Directorate of Presidential Communications, the government remains committed to strengthening partnerships with the private sector to mobilise productive investment, promote technology transfer, and create sustainable employment opportunities.
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