Dangote Says Manufacturing, Not Trading, Holds Key To Nigeria’s Prosperity

7th November, 2026 | News

Dangote Urges Nigeria to Prioritise Manufacturing Over Importation, Says Production Holds Key to Economic Prosperity

Africa’s richest man and President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has urged Nigeria to shift its focus from trading and importing goods to manufacturing and domestic production, warning that the country risks remaining trapped in poverty without industrial growth.

Speaking at the 25th Annual WIMBIZ Conference in Lagos, Dangote stressed that sustainable economic prosperity depends on local production, industrial investment, job creation and value addition.

He cited the growth of Dangote Cement and the 700,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Refinery as examples of the opportunities in domestic manufacturing, while identifying inconsistent government policies and inadequate electricity supply as major challenges facing Nigerian industries.

Dangote also called on women entrepreneurs to move beyond conventional trading into manufacturing, agriculture, food processing and export-oriented businesses.

Meanwhile, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, highlighted the financial challenges facing women-owned businesses, pledging proposed measures to expand access to affordable loans and business opportunities.

Both speakers emphasised the importance of strengthening local businesses, expanding access to capital and creating an economy driven by production and investment.

#AlikoDangote #Dangote #Manufacturing #NigeriaEconomy #Industrialisation #WIMBIZ #WomenEntrepreneurs #EconomicGrowth #MadeInNigeria #BusinessNews #Nigeria