Business
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, pays Liberian President a visit to discuss Cement and Coal Burning Plants
Africa’s richest man, billionaire Alhaji Aliko Dangote paid a courtesy call, on Thursday, to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf at her Foreign Ministry Office and briefed her on the progress of his investment in Liberia. According to an Executive Mansion release, the two discussed ongoing arrangements for a cement plant which Dangote’s company, Dangote Cement Liberia Ltd., intends to build in Liberia short along with plans for a coal-based power plant increasing access to electricity to the country.
Mr. Dangote, a Nigerian, is ranked by Forbes Magazine as the 43rd richest person in the world, and the richest man in Africa. Concerning the cement processing plant, Mr. Dangote informed the President that seven acres of land have been identified at the Freeport of Monrovia for its construction and a jetty.
Dangote went on to advise that it was time to move ahead with the project after a three-year delay. He assured the President that the limestone needed for the cement, which Liberia does not produce, would be brought in,crushed and ground for the manufacture of cement locally.
As for electricity, Mr. Dangote said that his proposed coal-burning power plant would produce some 20 megawatts of power, but his operations would require only 1.2 megawatts. The excess could be sold to the government at no more than 12 cents per kilowatt hour. “Tell us what you need, and we will produce it,” he said of the power-generation capacity of the plant, which he said could be operational in 15 months.
Approximately 30 acres of land are needed for such a facility, which includes huge boilers and cooling plants, along with access to a source of sweet water – where the water table is high. Mr. Dangote also pointed out that throughout Africa, the major issue is power. “No power, no growth,” he declared.
He also advised that any economy will climb to double digits, once there is power at the right price. With affordable power, people would be to produce goods locally and gravitate to the private sector leading to the creation of a middle class. Dangote also recommended coal-based power plants, noting that there is plenty of coal in South Africa, Mozambique and Guinea, and that emissions of coal dust is now at zero level due to advances in technology.
President Sirleaf responded in agreement that now was time to go forward and fast-track the cement project and assured Mr. Dangote that the land would be turned over by February 16. Concerning electricity, she spoke of the 54 cents Liberians pay per kilowatt hour, and said that three heavy fuel oil (HFO) power plants will soon come on stream.
