By Olakunle Oke
President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema has commended the Dangote Group for for its investment footprint and contribution to Zambia’s economy.
The President made this known when the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote paid a courtesy visit to the Zambian President.
During the meeting held in Lusaka, Dangote reiterated the Group’s readiness to strengthen its collaboration with the Zambian Government, particularly in the areas of manufacturing, energy diversification, and sustainable industrialisation.
Since its establishment, Dangote Cement Zambia Limited (DCZL) has become a major player in Zambia’s manufacturing sector. The company has invested over USD 500 million in a 1.5 million tonnes per annum integrated cement plant in Ndola, alongside a 30-megawatt captive power plant and a fleet of more than 400 distribution trucks.
To date, Dangote Cement Zambia has produced over 8 million tonnes of cement, turning Zambia from a net importer into a regional exporter within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The company employs over 1,200 people directly and supports more than 5,000 jobs indirectly through its value chains. All raw materials are sourced locally, underscoring Dangote’s commitment to Zambian enterprise and industrial empowerment.
In line with its sustainability drive, Dangote Cement Zambia has replaced more than 30 percent of its fossil fuel use with alternative energy sources, including used tyres, municipal waste, and agricultural by-products. Certified by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) for safe waste management, the company has earned multiple awards for environmental excellence. Its 30 MW power plant also contributes 8 MW to the national grid.
President Hichilema also called for deeper cooperation in renewable energy and industrial innovation.
Dangote, in response, reaffirmed his Group’s long-term commitment to Zambia and pledged to explore new energy projects including solar and thermal power to serve both Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He also expressed interest in harnessing Zambia’s coal and other mineral resources to support sustainable power generation across the region.
These initiatives, aligned with Zambia’s 8th National Development Plan (2022–2026), further position the Dangote Group as a key strategic partner in the country’s manufacturing, energy, and agricultural transformation.