Tinotenda Hove -President Emmerson Mnangagwa has approved the official visit of Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote to Zimbabwe, a development expected to unlock a potential US$1 billion investment in cement manufacturing, coal mining, and power generation.

The high-profile visit is being facilitated by Bard Santner Markets Inc, in collaboration with Zimbabwean journalist-turned-business adviser, Mrs. Josephine Mahachi. The proposed investment dovetails with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an empowered, modern, and prosperous upper-middle-income economy.

Confirming the development, Mrs. Mahachi told State media that the President had officially endorsed Dangote’s visit, which will include meetings with senior Government officials to finalise the investment roadmap.

“As much as I had hoped to keep this confidential until the appropriate time, it has proven difficult given the prominence of the individual involved,” said Mrs. Mahachi. “As you may recall, I played a pivotal role in facilitating Mr. Aliko Dangote’s visit in 2015, and I firmly believe that everything unfolds in God’s perfect timing. I am pleased to confirm that Mr. Dangote will be returning to Zimbabwe in the near future to explore new investment opportunities. While the exact date is yet to be confirmed, a formal mandate has already been signed.”

Mrs. Mahachi added that she had teamed up with Bard Santner Incorporated to ensure the process runs smoothly. “This time, I have partnered with Bard Santner Incorporated, a distinguished financial institution, to ensure a seamless and well-coordinated process. Furthermore, we are working on this initiative directly with His Excellency President E.D. Mnangagwa through his investment adviser, Dr. Paul Tungwarara,” she said.

Presidential Investment Adviser, Dr. Paul Tungwarara, confirmed that President Mnangagwa had given his full approval for Dangote’s visit, underscoring the government’s commitment to attracting strategic investors.

“Africa’s richest man is coming to Zimbabwe at the invitation of President Mnangagwa,” said Dr. Tungwarara. “The two have been in regular communication, and we are currently working on the logistical aspects of the visit. We are eager to ensure that he makes a significant investment in Zimbabwe and avoid a repeat of what happened during his previous visit in 2015, when he came but did not return.”

According to sources, the Dangote Group intends to establish a fully integrated cement factory, limestone quarry, and grinding plant, along with a coal mine and power station — projects collectively estimated between US$800 million and US$1 billion.

Mr. Dangote, who heads Dangote Industries Limited — a Lagos-based conglomerate with interests spanning cement, sugar, salt, fertiliser, real estate, oil and gas, and logistics — is Africa’s wealthiest man and one of its most influential industrialists. His company operates in 16 African countries and recently commissioned one of the world’s largest oil refinery and petrochemical complexes in Nigeria.

Mr. Dangote’s previous visit to Zimbabwe in 2015 laid the groundwork for possible partnerships that are now being revisited under President Mnangagwa’s Second Republic, which continues to court global investors.