AT the recent African Renaissance Retreat in Kigali, Rwanda, Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of the Pan-African conglomerate, Dangote Group, urged African business leaders to take charge of transforming the continent. Despite Africa’s challenges, Dangote emphasised that the continent’s vast natural resources and youthful population offer immense opportunities for growth and development.
Dangote highlighted Africa’s wealth, including 30 percent of the world’s mineral reserves and 65 percent of the planet’s arable land, positioning the continent as a potential global powerhouse. ‘We have the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population, rapidly expanding cities, and a growing embrace of innovation, including artificial intelligence,’ he said.
Despite obstacles such as inconsistent government policies, inadequate infrastructure, and inflation, Dangote Group has expanded from Nigeria to 14 countries across Africa, employing over 50,000 people. The group is expected to generate revenues exceeding $30bn by 2025.
The retreat, initiated by Dangote, was designed to bring together African business leaders, development experts, and political figures to identify solutions to issues such as food security, energy, and supply chain disruptions. Dangote called for a collective effort to shape the continent’s future and urged leaders to move beyond dialogue to implementation.
Participants at the retreat, including high-profile figures such as President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, resolved to encourage regular high-level dialogues between African private sector and political leaders. Proposals were made to support the free movement of people, reduce logistics costs, and increase internet access across the continent.
The retreat, held from September 6 to 8, featured notable participants such as UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, African Export-Import Bank President Prof. Benedict Oramah, and numerous African business leaders, further signalling a united commitment to drive Africa’s transformation.
This gathering underscores the growing sentiment that Africa’s future lies in the hands of its own leaders, and it is up to the continent’s top business figures and policymakers to take decisive action.
