Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, has said that creating jobs is vital to achieving Africa’s full potential.

Speaking at the 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meetings 2025 (AAM2025) in Abuja on Friday, Dangote addressed the theme, “The Path to Making Africa Great Again”, urging Africans to embrace a continent-first mindset.

He called on stakeholders to adopt the “Africa First” philosophy, inspired by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s nationalistic slogan, stressing the importance of retaining investment within the continent.

“When we encourage domestic investors and they succeed, it will motivate foreign investors to come to Africa,” he stated.

Dangote argued that real growth would come through building a solid manufacturing base, enhancing agriculture, and strengthening financial institutions. He also underscored the need to process Africa’s mineral resources locally in order to generate value, boost employment, and attract investment.

“Africa should not be a dumping ground,” he said.

The industrialist lamented Nigeria’s unreliable electricity supply and policy inconsistency, which he said have held back industrial development. He praised Afreximbank’s contribution to the establishment of the Dangote refinery, suggesting that Africa would experience rapid transformation if it had ten more such institutions.

“We are the only ones who can make Africa great,” he said.
“Yes, there will be ups and downs, but we must stay focused, and if we do, we will be successful. It is not just about amassing wealth, but about creating worth, such as through job creation.”

Dangote also revealed his ambition to become the world’s top urea producer within 40 months, adding that 37 per cent of Dangote Fertiliser’s output is currently exported to the United States.

Commenting on the U.S. immigration ban on certain countries, he said, “Why do people want to go to the U.S.? We have everything we need right here in Africa.”

“Let us make Africa a productive continent because the potential for growth is significant,” he added.

(NAN)

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