Dangote Launches $50 Billion Investment Plan for Africa

Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, unveiled a $50 billion investment programme for 2026 to 2030 at the 2026 Financial Times Africa Summit in London. This initiative aims to accelerate Africa's industrialisation and encourage recognition of opportunities across the continent.

Dangote stated that Africa has the necessary natural resources, population, and investment opportunities to become a global manufacturing hub but requires stronger institutions and infrastructure. He highlighted inadequate electricity supply as a critical constraint, noting that around 650 million Africans lack access to power.

Dangote cited his experience with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, revealing that the Group financed the project against its own balance sheet due to challenges in securing conventional project financing. He warned that allowing cheap imports to undermine domestic manufacturing could weaken Africa's productive capacity and advocated for freer trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.