Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is set to establish a $1 billion industrial complex in Zimbabwe, combining cement production, coal extraction, and electricity generation, according to reports.
Discussions between Dangote’s representatives and Zimbabwean officials reportedly began during the Afreximbank Annual Meetings held in Abuja in June.
Paul Tungwarara, investment adviser to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, confirmed that arrangements are underway for a high-profile meeting between the president and Dangote.
“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. We are keen to ensure that he makes a significant investment in Zimbabwe and avoid what happened during his previous visit in 2015, when he came but did not return.”
The proposed facility is expected to boost industrial capacity, create jobs, and strengthen Zimbabwe’s energy and construction sectors, marking one of the largest single investments by a private African entrepreneur in the country in recent years.
