Africa’s richest man and industrial magnate, Aliko Dangote, emphasized that the continent’s development must be driven from within, urging Africans to take the lead in their own economic advancement. In a recent interview, Dangote underscored the importance of self-reliance, stating, “Africa and Africans need to focus and see that we are the only ones that can develop Africa.”
Dangote, known for his extensive industrial endeavors aimed at transforming and connecting Africa, firmly asserted, “If we are waiting for others or foreign investors to come and develop Africa, it will never happen.”
During the interview, he also criticized the practice of importing petrol into Africa, arguing that it dissuades governments from investing in domestic refinery projects. Reflecting on his achievement of constructing a refinery with a 650,000 barrels per day capacity, valued at $19 billion, Dangote expressed his pride: “I feel great. I feel very proud as an African.”
The Dangote Refinery recently marked a significant milestone by exporting its first cargo of jet fuel to Europe. This event, signaling the refinery’s rapid operational expansion, is a notable development in the global energy market. According to a report from S&P Global Commodity Insights, BP is transporting 45,000 metric tons of jet fuel from the Dangote Refinery to Rotterdam aboard the Doric Breeze.
This export marks the refinery’s debut in the European market following a substantial 120,000 metric ton tender.
