ABUJA, June 28, 2025 — Africa’s richest man and President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has declared that Africa is now the world's only region experiencing genuine economic growth, stressing that Europe’s future depends on Africa’s continued progress.
Speaking on Friday at the 32nd Annual Meeting of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in Abuja, Dangote issued a clarion call for inward-driven development, urging African leaders to prioritize domestic investors as the foundation for long-term growth.
“Right now, Africa is the only continent recording real growth. If you examine Europe, respectfully, their growth has stalled. They need Africa to grow,” Dangote stated before a global audience of over 6,000 delegates, including policymakers, investors, and development experts.
Support Local to Attract Global
Dangote, widely regarded as a leading voice in African industrialisation, challenged African governments to rethink their development strategy.
“Many African countries spend a lot of time seeking foreign investors. But foreign investors don’t come so easily. You have to support your local investors when they’re performing well. That success then acts as a magnet for foreign investment.”
His remarks echo growing sentiment across the continent that true transformation must come from within, through the growth of local industries, entrepreneurs, and innovation ecosystems.
Vision of a Transformed Africa
Dangote called on African entrepreneurs to rise to the occasion and “think big to grow big.”
“We, as African champions, must understand that it is up to us to make Africa great. No one else will do that for us,” he said.
“Africa can be turned into a paradise within the next five years. It doesn’t take long—but you have to think big to grow big.”
Africa’s Growth Potential
With a youthful population, rising consumer markets, and vast natural resources, Africa holds the promise of becoming a dominant force in the global economy. Yet, persistent challenges—ranging from infrastructure gaps to capital flight—continue to stall its ascent.
Dangote’s comments reinforce the importance of building economic resilience through local investment, innovation, and strong policy frameworks.
Afreximbank: Building Resilient Futures
This year’s Afreximbank meeting, themed “Building the Future on Decades of Resilience”, featured sessions on trade, infrastructure, industrialisation, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)—all aimed at laying the groundwork for a self-reliant and prosperous Africa.
In Dangote’s words, Africa’s destiny is in its own hands—and the time to act is now.
