The Caribbean countries say they would seek a partnership with the Dangote Group in cement and fertiliser production. The Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell, has praised the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals as a key investment for the industrialization and development of Africa and other developing regions.
During his tour of the Dangote complex in Lagos, Mitchell, who also serves as the chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), emphasized the need for investments that would reverse the trend of exporting raw materials and importing finished products.
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Mitchell highlighted the importance of such projects, not just for Nigeria but for the entire continent, stating that Africa requires leaders like Aliko Dangote, who invest in industrialization. He noted that this type of venture is essential for growing Africa’s wealth and creating job opportunities.
The tour also served as an opportunity to explore potential partnerships between the Dangote Group and the Caribbean, particularly in the areas of cement, fertilizer, and petroleum product production. Mitchell indicated that CARICOM was keen on forming synergies with Africa, especially as some Caribbean nations begin to discover crude oil and seek to establish refineries.
Aliko Dangote mentioned that his company is already in discussions about importing crude from Caribbean nations while supplying them with refined products. He also emphasized the importance of partnerships in cement and fertilizer production as part of the group’s broader expansion plans.
The 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) Dangote Refinery, the largest in the world, is designed to process various crude oils and adheres to global environmental and safety standards. It can fully meet Nigeria’s demand for petroleum products and supply surplus to the international market, including potential exports to the Caribbean.