Dangote borrows a Donald Trump leaf

Dangote

If there’s one man whose impact, positive or negative, depending on individuals, organizations or countries, is being felt by the world right now, it’s the inimitable American President, Donald Trump.

And it seems Trump’s widely known stances on several issues, particularly those on trade, have rubbed on a fellow businessman, Africa and Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote who just like Trump has come out with a weighty opinion on African trade.

Speaking in London recently during One to One Conversation at the 5th annual Financial Times African Summit, he said the key to Africa’s economic growth and strength is in the development of the regional market, saying, “regional markets in Africa must work."

He added that Africans must patronize African markets which is why the free trade agreement by African nations is the direction to go to strengthen African markets.

Citing an instance of his own experience, he referred to the case of neighbouring Benin Republic where the country continues to import cement from China while his Nigerian factory is only 35 miles away from the border.

“We need to trade with ourselves,” he declared as he spoke glowingly about the prospect of Africa’s economy, the free trade agreement and the availability of huge raw materials to attract investors.