Tanzania Tasks Africa to Prioritise Economic Integration Through Industrialisation

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

African leaders have been advised to focus on economic integration through industrialisation, as this would make the continent a formidable force in the global market.

This charge was given by the Minister of State in the Tanzanian President’s Office responsible for Planning and Investment, Prof. Kitila A. Mkumbo, during a visit to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals in Lagos.

“Africa now needs economic liberation, and that can only come through industrialisation,” he said, describing Mr Aliko Dangote as Africa’s leading industrialist whose investments are increasingly extending beyond Nigeria to support development across the continent.

He added that Tanzania looks forward to working with Dangote Group as part of a broader vision of accelerating Pan-African industrialisation and strengthening regional manufacturing capacity.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of local refining capacity in improving Africa’s energy security, particularly in light of recent disruptions in global oil markets.

Referring to the impact of tensions around the Strait of Hormuz on global fuel prices, he said increased refining capacity from facilities such as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery would help cushion African economies against external shocks.

According to him, affordable and reliable energy remains one of the most important drivers of economic development, noting that expanded refining capacity across the continent would contribute significantly to lowering energy costs and improving the quality of life for millions of Africans.

The Tanzanian delegation was in Nigeria to follow up on discussions held earlier this year between President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Mr Dangote regarding the expansion of Dangote Group’s investment footprint in Tanzania.

The East African nation reaffirmed its commitment to deepening economic cooperation with Dangote Group, expressing strong interest in attracting new investments in fertiliser production, energy and industrial infrastructure to support the country’s long-term development agenda.

“We have come here to make a follow-up on what they deliberated with our President in terms of further Dangote investments in Tanzania,” Mr Mkumbo said.