Coal

Toward the end of June, Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote visited Tanzania for high-level discussions with President Samia Suluhu Hassan. During the meeting, he explained the company’s decision to establish its planned oil refinery in Lamu, Kenya, while also inviting Tanzania to participate in the project as a strategic investor. The discussions underscored the Group’s commitment to strengthening regional energy cooperation and expanding investment opportunities across East Africa.

The meeting, held on June 29, 2026, extended beyond the refinery project to explore a broader investment partnership in Tanzania. Dangote emphasized the company’s readiness to invest in sectors capable of generating significant economic value, noting that several priority projects had already been identified for potential collaboration with the Tanzanian government.

Among the proposed investments are the construction of a 40-kilometre concrete access road to support port operations, the development of a special trade zone, a 2,000-megawatt coal-fired power plant, and a urea fertilizer manufacturing plant. The two sides also discussed improving transport infrastructure connecting the Port of Mtwara with Mbamba Bay, as well as expanding port facilities to strengthen logistics and trade in the southern corridor.

To advance the partnership, President Samia appointed the Minister of State in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, to coordinate the initiative. A Tanzanian government delegation is expected to visit Nigeria to continue negotiations. Dangote Group already has an established presence in Tanzania through its US$500 million cement plant in Mtwara, which has an annual production capacity of 3 million tonnes, providing a strong foundation for future investments in the country.