The Director-General of the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Adamu Salihu, has described the Dangote Group as a transformative force in Africa’s economic renaissance, saying the conglomerate is “not only industrialising Nigeria, but indeed the whole of Africa.”

Speaking ahead of the Dangote Special Day at the 22nd Niger National Trade Fair in Minna, Salihu said the Chamber would use the event to showcase the achievements of the Group to Niger State, Nigeria, and the wider African business community, according to a statement from Dangote Group on Sunday.

According to him, the investment footprint of the Dangote Group in cement, sugar, salt, fertiliser, agriculture, and energy has become a model of indigenous industrialisation and proof that African entrepreneurs can build globally competitive enterprises.

He said the theme of this year’s fair, Public-Private Partnership as a Panacea for Nigeria’s Growth and Stability, underscores the importance of collaboration between government and the private sector in driving sustainable development.

Salihu noted that Dangote Group’s investment profile aligns with Niger State’s development priorities, particularly in agriculture, where its rice and sugar operations complement the state’s arable land and food production ambitions.

He expressed optimism that the Group’s Vision 2030 strategy would unlock more investments in agriculture, mining, and agro-processing in Niger State, sectors where the state has both comparative and competitive advantages.

Dangote Group currently operates across more than a dozen African countries, with interests spanning cement, sugar, salt, fertiliser, petrochemicals, agriculture, and energy.

The company says its core mission is to build local manufacturing capacity, create jobs, and reduce dependence on imports across Africa.

Salihu said the Group’s backward integration strategy and local sourcing model have created wealth by stimulating domestic production and reducing import dependence.

He described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a landmark project that has reshaped Nigeria’s energy landscape by conserving foreign exchange, reducing fuel shortages, improving competition, and creating opportunities for local investors.

According to him, the impact of the refinery is also being felt in states such as Niger, where improved fuel availability and lower logistics costs are expected to support manufacturing, agriculture, and trade.

He added that Dangote Group’s commitment to local content, technology transfer, and infrastructure development demonstrates how African-owned companies can drive industrial transformation on the continent.

Salihu urged Nigerian entrepreneurs to emulate the business model of Aliko Dangote by investing in productive sectors and building long-term value-creating enterprises.

He also called on large corporations to integrate nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises into their supply chains, noting that chambers of commerce can help identify credible suppliers and service providers.

He appealed to exhibitors, investors, and the public to support the Niger National Trade Fair, describing it as a strategic platform for investment promotion, partnerships, and economic development.

Salihu further noted that Dangote Group’s industrial ambition is extending beyond Nigeria, citing recent discussions on a proposed refinery project in East Africa.

He said the proposal, unveiled by the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, would replicate the Lagos refinery and serve East African markets if supported by regional governments.

He described the move as a clear demonstration that Dangote Group is “not only industrialising Nigeria, but indeed the whole of Africa.”

According to him, the planned expansion aligns with Vision 2030 and reflects the Group’s strategy of deploying African capital, expertise, and technology to drive industrial growth across the continent.

Dangote had announced the proposal during the Africa We Build Summit in Nairobi, stating that the company could build a similar refinery in East Africa within four to five years, subject to government support.