Dangote cement will boost business expansion in Africa – Lungu
Dangote business expansion across the continent is worthy of emulation by African businessmen in the task of continental development, Zambian President, Edgar Lungu, has said.
In a statement by Dangote Cement, Lungu said he was delighted about the new $400m cement plant investment, as it was in line with his administration’s economic plan for the country.
He added that the new cement plant will create more than 7,000 employment opportunities for Zambians.
He said, “This investment is expected to create at least 1,000 direct and 6,000 indirect jobs for Zambians when fully operational. Besides employment creation, the project is already greatly benefiting the local people of Masaiti and the surrounding districts through the transfer of skills, technology and business linkages.
“I am very confident that Dangote Cement plant management will flow with the intention of my government to ensure our people feel part and parcel of this momentous development on the Copperbelt. As government, we are aware that for years now our people have been subjected to high monopolistic pricing structure for cement. Today, I am the happiest person to note that ever since Dangote Cement came into the Zambian market, the price of cement has been gravitating towards normal.”
Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, was quoted as saying that Dangote’s phenomenal vision, entrepreneurship and commitment had led to the development of Africa and Africans.
Osinbajo said human capital development, political stability and economic integration were central to the rapid development of Africa and the emancipation of its people from poverty.
[Punch]