Dangote Cement Zambia has reaffirmed its confidence in the country’s economic prospects, pledging continued investment in local manufacturing, regional exports, skills development and community initiatives in support of the Government’s Grow Zambia Agenda.
The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Vipul Agrawal, said Zambia remained an attractive investment destination, citing the progress made in economic reforms, fiscal discipline and efforts to improve the business environment.
Mr Agrawal said the Grow Zambia Agenda had come at an important time in the country’s development, adding that Dangote Cement was fully aligned with President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision of placing the private sector at the centre of economic growth, while Government focuses on creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
He said the President had emphasised this approach during the recent opening of the First Session of the 14th National Assembly, highlighting the importance of collaboration between Government and the private sector in driving national development.
“Strong economies are built when the Government and business work together towards shared development objectives,” Mr Agrawal said.
He observed that sustained economic growth, industrialisation, private-sector participation and employment creation were critical to Zambia’s long-term development, noting that the country’s ongoing reforms were encouraging confidence among investors.
Mr Agrawal said Dangote Cement Zambia was also investing in modernising its operations to improve efficiency and reduce its environmental footprint.
He disclosed that the company was undertaking additional investments exceeding US$30 million in green energy as part of its efforts to promote more sustainable manufacturing.
He said the company’s commitment to Zambia went beyond cement production, as its operations contributed to employment creation, the growth of local businesses, tax revenue and infrastructure development.
Mr Agrawal pointed to the shared development vision demonstrated during a visit to State House last year by Dangote Group Chairman Aliko Dangote, who held discussions with President Hichilema on opportunities in value-added industries.
He said the discussions reflected a common understanding of the need to expand local industrial capacity, create economic opportunities and ensure that more Zambians benefited from investment in the country.
The CEO further called for accelerated reforms aimed at improving industrial efficiency and reducing the cost of doing business.
He identified continued investment in transport infrastructure, railway networks and trade facilitation as important measures that could strengthen the competitiveness of local manufacturers and expand opportunities for regional exports.
He said an efficient transport and logistics system would enable businesses to move goods more cost-effectively, support industrial expansion and improve Zambia’s ability to compete in regional markets.
Meanwhile, Dangote Cement Zambia has continued to support skills development as part of its contribution to the country’s human capital development.
Mr Agrawal disclosed that more than 520 young people had received technical training through partner vocational training centres, equipping them with practical skills to improve their employment prospects and participate in the economy.
He said such initiatives were important in ensuring that investment translated into tangible benefits for local communities, particularly through the development of a skilled workforce capable of supporting Zambia’s industrial ambitions.
Dangote Cement Zambia’s renewed commitment underscores the role that major private-sector investors can play in advancing the Grow Zambia Agenda through increased production, investment in modern technology, employment creation, skills development and the expansion of export opportunities.
The company says it remains confident in Zambia’s future and intends to continue contributing to the country’s economic transformation through sustained investment and partnership with Government and local communities.
Picture: President Hakainde Hichilema with Aliko Dangote
