Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest person and founder of the Dangote Group, announced that he has repaid $2.4 billion of the $5.5 billion borrowed to construct his $19 billion refinery near Lagos.
This disclosure was made at the Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAN) and AfriCaribbean Trade & Investment Forum, where Dangote praised the crucial support from African financial institutions amidst numerous challenges and sabotage attempts.
Speaking to an audience of international financiers and business leaders, Dangote revealed that various entities, both local and foreign, sought to derail the 650,000 barrels per day facility.
“Many thought the project would fail,” he said, highlighting the skepticism surrounding the ambitious venture. Despite these hurdles, Dangote credited the Afreximbank and Nigeria’s Access Bank for their unwavering support, emphasizing that the project would not have succeeded without them.
He elaborated on the challenges faced, noting that foreign banks were often unsupportive, with some even attempting to push the project into default during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“If I had raised the idea of international project financing, they would have shut it down, asking for my great-grandmother’s birth certificate,” Dangote remarked, criticizing the stringent and often discouraging conditions set by international financial institutions.
Dangote underscored the importance of African financial institutions in the continent’s industrialization, stating, “Without banks like African Finance Corporation (AFC) and Afreximbank, it would be difficult to industrialize Africa. They understand the challenges and issues unique to our continent.”
Despite the adversity, Dangote proudly announced significant progress in loan repayment. “We borrowed just over $5.5 billion. We’ve paid interest and some principal, totaling about $2.4 billion. Now, only $2.7 billion remains. We’ve done very well for a project of this magnitude,” he stated.
Addressing concerns about receiving enough crude oil for the refinery, Dangote acknowledged ongoing resistance from established players in the oil industry.
“Those who had access to easy money for decades don’t want to lose their grip. They fight back, but these challenges are temporary. We will overcome them,” he assured.
Dangote also highlighted the strategic importance of the refinery for Nigeria and the broader sub-Saharan region.
“Africa must produce what it consumes. We can no longer rely on the West. During the COVID period, some international banks hoped to see us default. Thanks to banks like Afreximbank, that didn’t happen.”
Furthermore, he revealed that 25% of Dangote’s fertilizer production is now exported to the US, and the company is poised to meet the Caribbean’s urea needs.
He emphasized the refinery’s role in securing Nigeria’s energy future, noting that the facility will act as the country’s strategic reserve for petroleum products.
With eyes set on future ventures, Dangote announced plans to enter the steel industry. “We aim to ensure every piece of steel we use comes from Nigeria. No foreigner will make our continent great; it must be driven by domestic investment,” he proclaimed.
In a testament to the Dangote Group’s self-sufficiency, he revealed that the company produces about 1,500 megawatts of power for its operations, bypassing the national grid and its limitations.
In closing, Dangote reflected on his journey, acknowledging the continuous battle against powerful adversaries but expressing confidence in ultimate victory.
“The fight is ongoing, but with the support of our people and government, we will prevail,” he affirmed.
As Africa’s industrial landscape continues to evolve, Dangote’s story serves as a beacon of resilience and a call to action for local investment and self-reliance.
