Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote is expanding his investment interests in Tanzania as the East African nation steps up efforts to attract large-scale industrial projects, while neighbouring Kenya continues pursuing a regional oil refinery partnership with the billionaire businessman.
Dangote met with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Dar es Salaam to discuss potential investments in fertiliser production, transport infrastructure and the energy sector. The talks form part of Tanzania’s broader strategy to accelerate industrialisation by attracting private capital into sectors capable of creating jobs, increasing local manufacturing and adding value to the country’s natural resources.
Following the meeting, Tanzanian officials said discussions would continue between government ministries and the Dangote Group to evaluate projects that align with the country’s development priorities. Dangote noted that Tanzania offers a favourable investment environment and significant opportunities for industries that process locally available resources for both domestic consumption and export markets.
The latest engagement builds on Dangote’s existing footprint in Tanzania, where the company operates one of the country’s largest cement manufacturing plants in Mtwara. Industry observers believe the new discussions signal plans to deepen investments beyond cement into sectors considered critical for long-term economic growth.
One of the main areas under consideration is fertiliser manufacturing. Tanzania remains largely dependent on imported fertiliser despite growing demand from its agricultural sector. Establishing local production could improve supply, reduce import costs and make fertiliser more affordable for farmers across the country and the wider East African region.
Dangote already operates one of Africa’s largest fertiliser plants in Nigeria, supplying both domestic and international markets. A similar investment in Tanzania could strengthen regional food production, support agricultural exports and reduce reliance on imported farm inputs.
Energy development also featured prominently during the discussions. Tanzania’s abundant natural gas reserves and expanding electricity infrastructure have positioned the country as an attractive destination for energy-intensive industries. Analysts say reliable energy supplies will be essential to support fertiliser manufacturing, industrial processing and other large-scale investments.
The talks also included projects aimed at improving transport infrastructure and strengthening regional trade links, reflecting Tanzania’s ambition to become a manufacturing and logistics hub within East Africa.
Meanwhile, Kenya continues to advance discussions around a proposed regional oil refinery involving Dangote. President William Ruto has repeatedly expressed support for developing refining capacity within East Africa to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products and improve regional energy security.
The proposed refinery would potentially process crude oil from Kenya, Uganda and other regional producers. Dangote first announced his interest in developing an East African refinery earlier this year, suggesting the project could replicate the success of his Lagos refinery, one of the world’s largest single-train refining facilities.
Although discussions remain at an early stage, several potential locations have been mentioned, including Kenya’s coastal cities of Mombasa and Lamu, as well as Tanzania’s port city of Tanga because of its connection to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline. Kenyan authorities have indicated that the final decision on the refinery’s location will ultimately rest with Dangote and project partners.
The parallel investment discussions in Tanzania and Kenya underscore increasing competition among East African countries to attract strategic industrial investments that can boost manufacturing, strengthen energy security, create employment and drive long-term economic growth.
As governments across the region seek to diversify their economies and expand value-added industries, Dangote’s growing interest in East Africa is expected to play an important role in shaping future investments in agriculture, infrastructure and energy.