Zambia is positioning itself for a landmark energy-sector investment, entering into high-level talks with Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, to expand his business footprint in the country. According to Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, the discussions, which took place at State House in Lusaka, aim to drive job creation, industrial growth, and economic diversification.

The government has pledged to maintain a stable, transparent, and investor-friendly environment that can support large-scale private sector energy projects. Dangote’s business empire is highly diversified from cement, sugar, and salt, to oil refining and petrochemicals  making him a powerful strategic partner for Zambia’s long-term energy ambitions.

For Zambia, securing investment from Dangote could reshape its energy landscape. The country is actively seeking about US$11.6 billion in energy investments by 2030, according to its energy minister, as part of a broader push to expand electricity generation and reduce the impact of power outages. If realized, the Dangote investment could not only help plug Zambia’s energy deficit but also support the nation’s industrial and economic development goals.