Dangote Targets 20,000MW Power Expansion as He Pushes Bold Industrial Drive Across Africa

Africa’s richest industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has announced an ambitious plan to enter the power sector with a target of generating up to 20,000 megawatts (MW). The move is part of a wider strategy to tackle Africa’s energy deficit and accelerate industrial growth across the continent.

Dangote revealed the plan during a high-level meeting with the Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Makhtar Diop, where he outlined his long-term vision for expanding his business empire. He stressed that reliable electricity remains one of Africa’s biggest barriers to economic development and competitiveness.

According to him, the proposed power expansion will work alongside existing Dangote Group investments such as its refinery, fertiliser plants, mining operations, and planned infrastructure projects. He explained that these integrated ventures are designed to build a self-sustaining industrial ecosystem that reduces Africa’s dependence on imports.

He also highlighted broader structural challenges slowing African growth, including visa restrictions, poor transport networks, and high logistics costs. Dangote argued that these issues make it difficult for businesses to trade and invest freely across the continent, limiting economic integration and regional cooperation.

Beyond power and infrastructure, Dangote revealed plans to list major assets, including the refinery, on stock markets to encourage African ownership and investment. He added that the group intends to pay dividends in foreign currency, while emphasizing that Africa must increase local investment to attract global capital and achieve long-term prosperity.

source: arise