Africa’s richest industrialist, Aliko Dangote, alongside former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, has taken the continent-first investment drive to East Africa, holding high-level talks in Burundi aimed at unlocking major economic opportunities.
The influential duo met with Burundi’s President, Évariste Ndayishimiye, to explore strategic investments across cement production, power generation, agriculture, and critical infrastructure.
Cement, Power, Agriculture in Focus
Sources close to the discussions revealed that the talks centred on boosting Burundi’s industrial base, with cement manufacturing topping the agenda.
Dangote, whose cement empire spans multiple African nations, is said to be considering the feasibility of establishing or expanding production capacity in the country.
Power generation and agricultural value chains were also tabled as priority sectors, with both sides agreeing that improved energy supply and agro-processing could accelerate Burundi’s economic growth.
Infrastructure development—roads, logistics hubs, and industrial parks—was equally highlighted as a key pillar for sustainable expansion.
Technical Teams Activated
In a significant move beyond diplomatic pleasantries, technical teams from both sides have reportedly been constituted to conduct feasibility studies and identify bankable projects.
The mandate: translate high-level discussions into actionable investments capable of delivering measurable economic impact for both nations.
Analysts say the formation of joint technical committees signals seriousness of intent, potentially paving the way for formal agreements in the coming months.
Africa-First Strategy
The Burundi visit reinforces Dangote’s long-standing strategy of prioritising investments within Africa. From West Africa to Central and East Africa—including markets such as Cameroon and Ghana—the billionaire businessman has consistently advocated intra-African trade and industrial self-sufficiency.
For Obasanjo, known for his pan-African economic diplomacy, the visit underscores continued efforts to strengthen economic ties across the continent even after leaving office.
With feasibility assessments now underway, attention will turn to whether the talks culminate in groundbreaking projects that could reshape Burundi’s industrial landscape—and further cement Dangote’s footprint across Africa.
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