Tinotenda Hove – Nigerian billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote has praised President Emmerson Mnangagwa for his leadership and economic reforms, describing Zimbabwe as a country now marked by “a lot of transparency.”

Speaking shortly after signing a major investment agreement between Zimbabwe and the Dangote Group, Mr. Dangote expressed confidence in the direction the government has taken under President Mnangagwa.

“There is a lot of transparency,” said Dangote. “The reforms introduced by President Mnangagwa have given investors confidence. The President has passed the exam of turning the economy around.”

The agreement, signed on Wednesday afternoon, focuses on key areas such as energy, cement production, fertilizer manufacturing, and infrastructure development. Dangote revealed that the projects will exceed one billion United States dollars, largely due to the planned petroleum pipeline and oil refinery initiatives.

A significant part of the investment involves a transnational oil refinery and subregional pipeline project that will start in Walvis Bay, Namibia, and extend through several SADC countries before reaching Zimbabwe. The pipeline, which spans over 2,200 kilometers, will enter Zimbabwe through Bulawayo and continue to Harare via Gweru.

“This project will be a game changer for the region and will transform Zimbabwe’s production and energy structure,” Dangote said.

The billionaire also emphasized the importance of supporting Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector, noting that the country’s farming potential can play a crucial role in regional food security.

“Zimbabwe is an accomplished agricultural economy, and with more investment in fertilizers, its commodities can compete globally,” he said.

President Mnangagwa met with Mr. Dangote at State House in Harare, where the two discussed deepening cooperation and creating sustainable economic opportunities.

The partnership marks one of the largest private sector commitments to Zimbabwe in recent years, signaling growing investor confidence in the country’s reform agenda.