Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote has assured Tanzania President John Magufuli further investment commitment in the country on top of his USD 600m cement plant based in the southern tip of the country, Mtwara.
He made the assertion early today at the State House saying he was at peace with the 5th phase government contrary to errorneous outcry in the local and international media that the temporary closure of his factory depicted 'lacking support' from the government.
Dangote promised to source all the necessary raw materials for cement plant locally ranging from coal, gypsum as well as natural gas which he promised to buy directly from Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and not otherwise.
On his part, President Magufuli advised Dangote to shun the use of middlemen in his business dealings especially when dealing with the government.
"Go and source gas from TPDC, do not buy via intermediaries" he noted.
"I thank Mr. President (Magufuli) for his leadership … this is the right place for us to come mend fences and continue to invest, not only in cement," Aliko Dangote.
"I've given Mr. President my own commitment that we will continue to invest in Tanzania. The $600 million that we have invested in cement is just the start."
"As we speak today, we have imported 600 brand new trucks (to transport cement from the factory) … which will create an additional 1,500 jobs for Tanzanians," he said.
"If we are very upset investors and we are not happy, there is no way in the midst of all this crisis we would go ahead and import 600 trucks."
Dangote said he was also looking to invest in agriculture and coal mining sectors in Tanzania in addition to the cement factory.