Dangote highlights local investment as key to Africa’s economic future

Africa’s foremost industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has called on Africans to invest more in the continent, saying sustainable economic transformation can only be achieved through local investments and stronger private-sector participation.

Dangote made the call on Tuesday while addressing participants at the ongoing African Caucus Meeting held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Banjul, The Gambia.

He attended the meeting at the invitation of Gambian President Adama Barrow, joining other dignitaries, including the Prime Minister of Guinea-Bissau, to discuss strategies for strengthening Africa’s economic resilience and accelerating industrial development.

In his keynote address, Dangote said Africa’s future depends on innovation, industrialisation and self-reliance, stressing that investment remains the foundation for the continent’s long-term economic growth.

He urged Africans to “heavily invest in our own continent,” maintaining that only Africans can shape and safeguard the continent’s future.

Dangote also encouraged African entrepreneurs and business leaders to pursue bold investments, support indigenous enterprises and strengthen collaboration across the continent to drive sustainable economic growth.

He noted that the private sector has a critical role to play in promoting inclusive growth and advancing Africa’s development agenda.

Following his address, Dangote held a bilateral meeting with President Barrow at the State House in Banjul, where both leaders discussed ways to strengthen cooperation and advance Africa’s economic development and resilience.