President Mnangagwa Approves Aliko Dangote’s Visit for Landmark US$1 Billion Investment Deal

President Mnangagwa Approves Aliko Dangote’s Visit for Billion-Dollar Investment Talks

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially approved Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote’s visit to Zimbabwe, setting the stage for what could become a US$1 billion investment in cement manufacturing, coal mining, and power generation.

The high-profile visit is being coordinated by Bard Santner Markets Incorporated and Zimbabwean journalist-turned-business adviser Josephine Mahachi, who played a similar facilitation role during Dangote’s 2015 visit.

The proposed deal aligns with Vision 2030, President Mnangagwa’s blueprint to transform Zimbabwe into a modern, industrialised upper-middle-income economy.

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Mahachi Confirms Presidential Approval

Mahachi confirmed that President Mnangagwa had officially sanctioned the visit, allowing Dangote and his delegation to meet with senior Government officials to finalise the investment roadmap.

“As much as I had hoped to keep this confidential until the right moment, it has proven challenging given the stature of the individual involved. As you may recall, I played a key role in facilitating Mr Dangote’s visit in 2015, and I firmly believe that everything unfolds in God’s perfect timing.

“I am pleased to confirm that Mr Dangote will be returning to Zimbabwe in the near future to explore new investment opportunities. While the exact date is yet to be finalised, a formal mandate has already been signed.

“This time, I have partnered with Bard Santner Incorporated, a distinguished financial institution, to ensure a seamless and well-coordinated process.

“Furthermore, we are working on this initiative directly with His Excellency President Mnangagwa through his investment advisor, Dr Paul Tungwarara,” said Mahachi.

President Mnangagwa Approves Aliko Dangote’s Visit for Billion-Dollar Investment Talks (Image Credit: Bloomberg)

Dangote’s Return Backed by Presidential Investment Advisor

Presidential Investment Advisor Dr Paul Tungwarara confirmed that the Head of State had approved the visit, emphasising the Government’s drive to attract high-impact investors capable of transforming the country’s industrial landscape.

“The richest man in Africa is coming to Zimbabwe at the invitation of President Mnangagwa. The two have been in constant communication and we are presently working on the logistical aspects of the visit. We are keen to ensure that he makes a significant investment in Zimbabwe and avoid what happened during his previous visit in 2015, when he came but did not return,” said Dr Tungwarara.

Multi-Sector Projects on the Horizon

According to sources, the Dangote Group plans to establish a fully integrated cement manufacturing plant, a limestone quarry and grinding facility, a coal mine, and a power station — projects collectively valued between US$800 million and US$1 billion.

The move is expected to create thousands of jobs and significantly bolster Zimbabwe’s infrastructure and energy sectors.

Dangote’s Track Record in Africa

Aliko Dangote, who leads Dangote Industries Limited, oversees a conglomerate with interests in cement, sugar, fertiliser, oil, gas, and logistics. His company operates in 16 African countries and is behind one of the world’s largest oil refinery and petrochemical complexes in Nigeria.

Though previous efforts in 2015 and 2018 did not materialise, this renewed engagement — underpinned by direct presidential approval — has raised optimism that Zimbabwe will finally benefit from one of Africa’s most transformative industrial investments.