Dangote Group explores industrial expansion into Egypt

Nigeria’s Dangote Group is exploring opportunities to expand its industrial investments into Egypt, in a move aimed at strengthening economic integration and cross-border investment between two of Africa’s largest economies.

The discussions followed a visit by a high-level Egyptian delegation to the Dangote Industrial Complex in Lagos, led by Mohamed Farid, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade.

The delegation met with Aliko Dangote, Chairperson and CEO of Dangote Group, and senior company executives to discuss potential industrial partnerships, joint ventures and opportunities to expand production capacity across strategic sectors.

The Egyptian delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC), the Egyptian Petrochemicals Holding Company (ECHEM), and the Sovereign Fund of Egypt.

The talks are aligned with Dangote Group’s Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to expand its industrial footprint across Africa, strengthen regional value chains and position the continent as a competitive global manufacturing hub.

Farid said the objective was to translate diplomatic and economic dialogue into tangible investment opportunities and industrial partnerships.

“With a combined market of nearly 400 million people, Nigeria’s vast energy resources and Egypt’s established industrial base provide a solid foundation for accelerating cooperation in manufacturing, energy, petrochemicals and fertiliser production,” he said.

Asked whether Egypt was proposing that Dangote Group establish a petroleum refinery in the country, Farid said potential cooperation extended well beyond refining.

“Investment does not strictly have to be in a refinery; there are numerous sectors ripe for joint ventures that add value to both nations and the broader continent,” he said.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources highlighted Egypt’s readiness to leverage its strategic geographical location, infrastructure, storage facilities and port network to serve as a regional trading and export hub for petroleum and chemical products destined for European and international markets.

Strengthening intra-African investment

Dangote described the Egyptian delegation’s visit as an illustration of the potential of greater economic integration across Africa.

“As an African entity, we are committed to building industries that add value to the continent,” he said, stressing that expanding African businesses across regional markets was essential to accelerating industrialisation, developing sustainable supply chains and strengthening economic self-reliance.

Potential areas of cooperation extend beyond refining and petrochemicals to include fertiliser manufacturing, downstream processing, energy infrastructure and industrial services.

The discussions also highlighted opportunities for skills development, technology transfer and job creation across North and West Africa, alongside the potential to boost trade and strengthen industrial cooperation between the two countries.