Dangote: We are not going to import anything any longer

Africa’s richest man and most successful industrialist, Aliko Dangote, on Moday said the country will no longer import goods from other countries.

He made the disclosure At the Financial Times’ 4th annual Africa Summit at Claridges in London.

“We are not going to import anything any longer,” Dangote said, in the presence of Nigerian vice-president Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Congolese presidential hopeful Moise Katumbi, and about 300 business leaders.

“In Nigeria we are learning how to produce the entire value chain,” Dangote added. Once a heavy importer of fertiliser, Nigeria is now gearing up to produce 3M tonnes of locally manufactured fertiliser, transforming the nation into one of the largest fertiliser exporters in Africa. In 2007 Nigeria was the second largest importer of cement after the US, Dangote reminded the audience of business elites. “Today, we have not only satisfied domestic needs; we have become a leading exporter of 6-7M tonnes of cement,” he added.

Photo Caption: Alhaji Aliko Dangote