At the 4th Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in Algiers, Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest industrialist and President of Dangote Industries Limited, issued a clarion call for a continent-wide shift toward manufacturing-led exports.
Represented by Special Adviser Ahmed Mansur, Dangote emphasized that Africa’s continued reliance on raw material exports has stunted its economic potential and left it vulnerable to global price shocks.
He urged African governments and private sector leaders to develop robust regional value chains, deepen intra-African trade, and invest in domestic processing capacity.
“For too long, Africa’s resources have been exported in their raw and unrefined state,” Dangote said. “There must be a fundamental shift in mindset toward industrialization and inclusive growth.”
The speech coincided with “Dangote Day” at the IATF, highlighting the company’s role in transforming limestone into cement and its broader Afrocentric industrial strategy. Dangote’s remarks reflect growing consensus among African leaders that manufacturing is key to solving youth unemployment, boosting GDP, and securing long-term trade resilience.