Dangote's Investment In the Energy Sector Could Ease Loadshedding

The head of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has told President Hakainde Hichilema that his firm is ready to partner with Zambia to harness the country's coal deposits to help address the ongoing electricity deficit.

The Nigerian business mogul who is Africa’s richest man, met with the President at State House yesterday evening, emphasising that a reliable and steady power supply would help grow Zambia's GDP and support the annual cultivation of key crops such as maize. He noted that Zambia's landlocked position gives it a strategic advantage to supply neighbouring countries with various goods.

Loadshedding continues to be a problem in the country, but Dangote highlighted the transformative impact that coal could have in resolving this crisis. "Once you give power, it gives other things, opportunities, GDP growth, and it will give a lot of disposable income," he said. "We are ready to partner with the government. You can be rest assured that you will have my 100 percent support to develop the economy."

President Hichilema confirmed that Zambia is eager to partner with Dangote again in the energy sector, as the two have previously collaborated on cement projects. "We would like to do that and even more on the electricity side," the President said. "We invite you to do that. We have the coal. We are not shy here. This is the resource God gave us, and we have no shame at all."