African business magnate Aliko Dangote visited Burundi this Saturday as part of a high-level Nigerian and African economic delegation, in a trip Burundian officials say is aimed at strengthening investment ties and accelerating the country’s industrial ambitions.
Dangote, chairman and chief executive officer of the Dangote Group and widely regarded as Africa’s richest man, arrived in Bujumbura alongside former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and other Nigerian business leaders, according to Burundi’s Ministry of Finance.
Burundian Finance Minister Alain Ndikumana and Burundi’s ambassador to Nigeria, Édouard Nduwimana, welcomed the delegation upon arrival. The Ministry of Finance said in a statement posted on its official X account that the visit is “part of Burundi’s economic opening” and represents an opportunity to attract large-scale private investment.
The ministry described the visit as “a major step in strengthening economic cooperation and opening Burundi to strategic private investments that will drive structural transformation.” Officials also said Dangote’s participation signals growing investor interest in Burundi’s long-term development strategy, particularly in industrialization and infrastructure development.
According to the ministry, the visit is “fully aligned with Pillar 3 of Burundi Vision 2040–2060,” which focuses on economic transformation through infrastructure development, logistics modernization, local industrialization and the promotion of high-impact public-private partnerships.
Dangote leads one of Africa’s largest industrial conglomerates, with operations spanning cement manufacturing, fertilizers, petrochemicals, sugar refining and other key industrial sectors across the continent. His group has played a significant role in industrial expansion in several African countries, often working with governments to develop large-scale manufacturing and infrastructure projects.
The visit comes as Burundi positions itself for a greater role in continental affairs. President Évariste Ndayishimiye is expected to assume the African Union’s rotating presidency during the organization’s 39th summit scheduled for Feb. 14–15 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Burundi’s long-term development framework highlights private sector participation and regional integration as critical to sustainable growth. The World Bank has said in country development assessments that expanding infrastructure, improving the business climate and strengthening regional trade links are essential for economic resilience and poverty reduction in Burundi.
Officials have not announced specific investment agreements tied to the delegation’s visit but say discussions are expected to focus on industrial development and strategic partnerships.
