Prof Mkumbo, Dangote hold strategic talks to bolster the firm’s investment in Tanzania – Daily News
Lagos — Tanzania’s Minister of State in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Prof Kitila Mkumbo, is leading a high-level delegation in Lagos, Nigeria, for a strategic mission aimed at expanding investment cooperation with the Dangote Group, Africa’s largest industrial conglomerate.
Prof Mkumbo and his team held in-depth discussions with the Group’s President and CEO, Aliko Dangote, focusing on new and scaled-up investments in Tanzania’s priority sectors. The talks are aligned with the country’s Development Vision 2050, which positions the private sector as a key driver of economic transformation on the path to a US$1 trillion economy by mid-century.
This visit follows Mr Dangote’s recent trip to Dar es Salaam, where he met President Samia Suluhu Hassan and explored avenues to broaden the Group’s footprint in strategic areas. The Lagos mission is designed to turn those high-level understandings into concrete projects and long-term partnerships that accelerate industrialization and job creation in Tanzania.
The delegation accompanying Prof Mkumbo reflects a whole-of-government approach, bringing together senior policymakers and technical leaders responsible for investment facilitation and sector delivery. The team includes:
- Prof Kitila Mkumbo, Minister of State, President’s Office—Planning and Investment (Head of Delegation)
- Judith Kapinga, Minister for Trade and Industries
- Salome Makamba, Deputy Minister for Energy
- David Kihenzile, Deputy Minister for Transport
- Dr Steven Kiruswa, Deputy Minister for Minerals
- Eng. Godfrey Kasekenya, Deputy Minister for Works
- Dr Fred Msemwa, Permanent Secretary, President’s Office—Investment
- Ambassador Aziz Mlima, Board Chair, Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones (TISEZA)
- Gilard Teri, Director General, TISEZA
- Senior government officials and chief executives from key public institutions
During the meeting, Mr Dangote commended President Samia’s reform agenda for strengthening investor confidence, improving the ease of doing business, and positioning Tanzania among Africa’s most attractive long-term destinations for foreign direct investment. He expressed strong confidence in Tanzania’s economic trajectory and reiterated the Group’s readiness to deepen its role in the country’s industrial transformation through strategic partnerships.
He also praised the composition of the Tanzanian delegation, noting that the presence of both senior leaders and technical experts signals Tanzania’s seriousness about converting policy commitments into practical, bankable investments capable of catalyzing industrial growth.
A key highlight of the talks was the Dangote Group’s long-term investment outlook, which includes plans to deploy up to US$46 billion across Africa by 2030, with Tanzania among the priority markets. The discussions centered on expanded cooperation in manufacturing, energy, mining, transport, logistics, ports, and infrastructure—sectors critical to Tanzania’s development agenda and regional competitiveness.
Speaking for the Government of Tanzania, Prof Mkumbo reaffirmed President Samia’s commitment to maintaining a predictable, competitive, and investor-friendly business environment. He underscored ongoing reforms to modernize infrastructure, streamline trade and business processes, and encourage technology transfer, with the twin goals of sustainable growth and high-quality job creation.
As part of the mission, the delegation will tour Dangote’s industrial facilities in Lagos to gain first-hand insights into advanced production systems and logistics networks. These engagements are expected to help align prospective Tanzanian projects with proven industrial models and operational efficiencies.
The Lagos talks mark a pivotal next step in the Tanzania–Dangote partnership, moving from dialogue to delivery. Both sides signaled intent to accelerate due diligence and project preparation in priority sectors, laying the groundwork for long-term collaboration that supports Tanzania’s industrialization and broader economic ambitions under Vision 2050.
