President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has announced a historic investment partnership between the Government of Zimbabwe and Dangote Group, led by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, aimed at accelerating the country’s industrialisation and economic transformation.
During a high-level meeting in Harare, President Mnangagwa received Mr Dangote, who is in Zimbabwe to explore strategic investment opportunities across key sectors of the economy. Following extensive discussions, Zimbabwe and the Dangote Group signed a global cooperation agreement focusing on energy, cement, fertiliser, and infrastructure development.
President Mnangagwa emphasised that the partnership underscores growing confidence in Zimbabwe’s investment climate and its ongoing efforts to build a diversified, resilient economy under the Second Republic’s reform agenda. He described the collaboration as a clear demonstration that Zimbabwe is “open for business” and continues to attract serious international investors.
“We welcome this collaboration as a milestone towards industrialisation, energy self-sufficiency, and sustainable growth in line with Vision 2030,” said President Mnangagwa. “The Dangote Group’s confidence in our economy is a powerful endorsement of our policies and the progress we are making towards a modern, prosperous, and empowered Zimbabwe.”
A major highlight of the new partnership is the regional oil refinery and pipeline project that will originate from Walvis Bay, Namibia, and traverse several SADC countries, including Zimbabwe. The project aims to enhance regional energy security, reduce import dependency, and promote industrial growth across southern Africa.
President Mnangagwa noted that the pipeline will not only benefit Zimbabwe but also serve as a strategic energy corridor connecting the region’s economies and supporting regional integration.
In the fertiliser sector, the Dangote Group expressed keen interest in Zimbabwe’s strong agricultural base and its potential to become a regional food security hub. Investment in local fertiliser production and processing plants will help improve access to affordable inputs, boost productivity, and strengthen Zimbabwe’s competitiveness in regional and international markets.
The agreement also includes plans for cement and infrastructure projects that will support the construction of roads, industrial facilities, and housing, key components of Zimbabwe’s economic development and job creation strategy.
Aliko Dangote commended Zimbabwe’s leadership for creating a stable and investor-friendly environment, saying the group is committed to contributing to the country’s long-term development.
“Zimbabwe has great potential and a strong workforce. We are ready to partner with the government and people of Zimbabwe to unlock opportunities that benefit the entire region,” said Mr Dangote.
President Mnangagwa concluded by reaffirming his government’s commitment to facilitating investments that promote energy independence, value addition, and sustainable development. He said the partnership aligns with Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy through industrialisation, innovation, and inclusive growth.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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