A high-level technical team from the Dangote Group is expected to arrive in Zimbabwe this afternoon, marking the next phase in the implementation of a major investment agreement signed in Harare on Wednesday between the conglomerate's CEO, Mr Aliko Dangote, and the Government of Zimbabwe.
The visiting delegation is made up of geologists, surveyors and engineers who will begin preliminary assessments across various project sites following Mr Dangote's talks with President Mnangagwa and the subsequent signing of cooperation agreements by Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube.
The agreements lay the groundwork for large-scale investments in key sectors, including energy, mining, fertiliser production, cement manufacturing and the development of a regional fuel pipeline and refinery supply chain.
Speaking at a Santner-Nedbank Golf Challenge reception in Harare last night, journalist and business adviser Ms Josephine Mahachi confirmed the impending arrival of the technical team, describing it as evidence of Mr Dangote's serious commitment to Zimbabwe.
"Aliko is quite happy with Zimbabwe, and the team he has sent is arriving in the afternoon," she said. "There is no time to rest; when he promises something, it will be done. It is now time for Zimbabwe. The work commences."
Ms Mahachi revealed that before Mr Dangote's visit, he had quietly dispatched a private team of researchers to conduct due diligence and assess investment opportunities in Zimbabwe.
"Before he came, he had sent researchers. We didn't even know about it. They did their research behind the scenes. If you are writing to Aliko today saying ‘don't come to Zimbabwe', it's too late - it is a done deal. He is coming," she said, praising Bard Santner for helping facilitate the engagement.
Bard Santner chief executive officer Mr Senziwani Sikhosana said the meeting between Mr Dangote and President Mnangagwa signalled a major economic turning point for Zimbabwe.
"It's a declaration that Zimbabwe is ready to rise, a sign that global capital is beginning to listen again," he said. "The Dangote deal has spoken loud to the global community, showing that Zimbabwe is open, stabilising and stepping into a new economic season."
Mr Sikhosana said the agreement should translate into lasting benefits for Zimbabwe if stakeholders remain united.
"This foreign investment will not just be a headline. Dangote is coming - it will be a legacy written in jobs, infrastructure, exports, industries and national pride," he said.
He added that Mr Dangote was impressed by President Mnangagwa and the unified approach shown during the engagement, which involved both government and private-sector players.
The cooperation investment agreement paves the way for the construction of an oil refinery and sub-regional fuel pipeline system, which will enable Dangote Petroleum Refinery to supply petrol and diesel produced in Nigeria to Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia.
Zimbabwe is also set to benefit from local fertiliser manufacturing - a move expected to significantly reduce costs for farmers - as well as the establishment of a cement plant and a power-generation facility.
The Government says the Dangote Group's entry into Zimbabwe marks the beginning of a new era of large-scale industrial investment with potential to accelerate economic growth and stimulate regional trade.
- Sunday Mail
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