Zambia seeks Dangote’s assistance in developing fertiliser industry

The Zambian Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Chipoka Mulenga, has sought the assistance of the President, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, in the development of his country’s agricultural sector.

Mulenga, who led a delegation from Zambia on a tour of the 3.00 million metric tonnes Dangote Fertiliser plant at the weekend, called for collaboration between the Group and the Zambian government in the establishment of a fertiliser plant in the southern African country.

Mulenga expressed the belief that any investment in fertiliser production will not only help the country to be self-sufficient in food production, it will also help grow the Zambian economy as well as that of neighbouring countries.

According to him, the Zambian government has created an enabling environment for local and foreign investment through great incentives to attract investment in all sectors of the economy.

He said: “The Zambian government, in the last budget, made some pronouncements, which focus on value addition, industrialisation, skill enhancement and development. We have a huge youthful population who are ready to work if given the opportunity to be productive.

”He described Zambia as Africa’s new investment destination because of its stable political system, stable macroeconomic environment and investment protection guarantees.

He said Zambia is strong in agriculture and even seeking to become stronger by having its own fertiliser plant.

Speaking at the end of the tour, Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Fertiliser Limited, Mr. Vishwajit Sinha, said demand for Urea fertiliser in the Nigerian market and beyond remains robust and is expected to continue to grow.

He said the $2.5 billion fertiliser complex would make Nigeria self-sufficient in fertiliser production with excess capacity exported to other African countries and the rest of the world.

He said: “The key focus of Dangote Fertiliser has always been to cater to the growing fertiliser demand of the domestic market in Nigeria and also work towards bringing a green revolution in the country, so as to contribute towards food security for Nigeria. The surplus production after supplying the domestic market is exported.”

Sinha stated that Dangote Fertiliser is positioned to take advantage of the Federal Government’s policy, which focuses on agriculture as one of the keys to unlocking diversification of the Nigerian economy.

He added: “As the population is increasing, food consumption is changing. Many countries’ economic progress is linked to agricultural development, which is the best form of inclusive development. For all the countries that I have been to, I can see the potential of agriculture in the entire value chain – from the farm to the kitchen – in Nigeria.

“Dangote Fertiliser has the potential to transform the entire African region. Definitely, it will have a huge value on the country.”

Sinha described the Dangote Fertiliser plant as a company, which will not only increase food sufficiency in Nigeria but also drastically reduce the level of unemployment and youth restiveness through the generation of direct and indirect employment.