Opinion
Nigerian entrepreneurs – Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu and African economic integration
Indeed, the early signs of an Asian pivot are present with the Dangote Group’s ongoing investment in Nepal.
The Zambian minister of commerce, trade and industry, Margaret Mwanakatwe, who previously worked for UBA in Zambia, described Dangote as “an enigma” and commended the vision, commitment and tenacity that led to the speedy completion of the project.
As may be expected, “Senior Chief” Chiwala of Masaiti District nearly soured the mood – ranting about the lack of infrastructure and amenities in his community and demanding that Dangote Group remedy all the complaints of his people.
Nigeria’s Vice President Yemi Osinbajo restored profundity to the event with 3 important themes which included:
– the need for political stability across Africa in order to foster socio-economic progress;
– the challenge of developing human capacity on the continent;
– and the imperative of African economic integration.
According to Osinbajo, “enough has been said about African economic integration it is time to act”.
In reality, while government bureaucrats and diplomats mount podiums at regional and continental summits to talk about and sign protocols and agreements on African economic integration, Aliko Dangote, Tony Elemelu, Aig Aig-Imoukhuede, Herbert Wigwe, Femi Otedola and other Nigerian entrepreneurs are acting and with their investments, speeding up the process of African economic integration.
There wasn’t a single Nigerian present in Ndola who was not extremely proud of the pioneering efforts of Aliko Dangote as we observed the sparkling, new, ultra-modern cement factory sitting in the remote plains of the Masiati District of Zambia and the pomp, pageantry and ceremony as the investment starts bearing fruit.
