LUSAKA, Thursday 28 July, 2011 – Republican President, Rupiah Banda has said that the decision by the Dangote Group of Nigeria to invest in Zambia confirms that Zambia is an ideal investment destination.
Speaking in Masaiti when he officiated at a ground-breaking ceremony for the Dangote Cement Manufacturing Plant, the President told the crowds in attendance that the envisaged plant represented the largest-ever investment into Zambia by a Nigerian company.
“This investment is a clear indication of the confidence you have in this country,” the President told listeners who included Nigerian High Commissioner to Zambia Mrs Marcus Bello Folake, President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group Mr Aliko Dangote, Senior Chief Chiwala and other guests.
He added: “I am glad to note also that besides the employment opportunities being created, the project will greatly benefit the people of Masaiti and the surrounding districts through transfer of skills, technology and business linkages.”
The President noted that “the company will spend significant amounts of money on community development activities such as provision of water supply, construction of a school, a hospital and other social amenities. This is as it should be. These jobs and skills are what will allow our people to participate in the building of a strong Zambian economy.”
Zambia has also witnessed a steady rise in trade activities between our two countries from US$900,000 in 2009 to US$ 1.6 million last year. However, the President noted, these levels of trade still remain very low. “I believe that with the coming of the Dangote Group, other Nigerian investors will follow this multi-national company and begin to invest in Zambia and export back to Nigeria and other countries on the continent and beyond,” he said.
The Dangote Group is expected to spend US$400 million on the plant which will produce 1.5 million tonnes of cement yearly.
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