Gaborone – Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko has received Nigerian billionaire and Dangote Group founder Aliko Dangote for talks on investment, industrialisation and economic cooperation between Botswana and Nigeria.
Dangote paid a courtesy call at the Office of the President, where he met President Boko and Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe to discuss opportunities for large scale investment and industrial development.
President Boko said the meeting focused on how African countries can take greater responsibility for their own economic development by investing in production and adding value to resources on the continent. 
“Africa must lead its own development. We cannot continue exporting raw materials and importing basic goods. We must build, produce and create value on our own continent. Our biggest challenge is implementation. The ideas are there, now we must turn them into projects, jobs and industries.
“Africa must build Africa.”
The visit has also attracted attention because of Dangote’s previous experience with Botswana.
According to Dikgang Newspaper, Dangote was denied entry into Botswana in 2014 during the administration of former president Ian Khama after he was denied a visa.
Twelve years later, the Nigerian businessman has been received at the country’s highest office as Botswana explores opportunities to attract major investors and expand its industrial base.
Dangote, who is regarded as Africa’s richest man, has built a major business empire spanning industries including cement, manufacturing, food processing and energy.
The meeting with the Botswana leadership comes as African governments continue seeking investment that can create local industries, employment and greater value from the continent’s natural resources.
The discussions between Boko and Dangote centred on turning investment opportunities into productive projects that can contribute to economic growth and job creation in Botswana.
Dikgang Newspaper described the meeting as a significant change from Dangote’s earlier experience with the country, with the businessman now being welcomed as a potential investor capable of bringing capital, factories and employment opportunities.
