Zambia is positioning itself for a major energy sector investment following high-level talks between President Hakainde Hichilema and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, held at State House in Lusaka on Wednesday.
Hichilema said the meeting focused on expanding Dangote Group operations in Zambia, “particularly in the energy sector, with the objective of fostering job creation, industrial growth and economic diversification.”
“We reaffirm our government’s commitment to maintaining a stable, transparent, and investor-friendly environment that enables the private sector to thrive,” he said in a statement on Thursday.
Dangote, whose business empire spans cement, sugar, salt, oil refining and petrochemicals across more than 10 African countries, has been a key player in driving industrialisation on the continent.
The Dangote Group’s flagship cement operations dominate markets in Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Senegal, while its $19 billion refinery in Lagos is set to reshape Africa’s energy landscape.
The potential expansion into Zambia’s energy sector marks a significant milestone for the country’s investment portfolio, which has seen renewed interest under the government’s economic reform programme.
Hichilema praised Dangote’s leadership as “a testament to the power of vision and determination,” and said his government looked forward to unlocking new opportunities through continued collaboration.
JN/APA