Burundi attracts Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote.

Burundi has welcomed Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest businessman, with an estimated net worth of $30 billion, during his first official visit to the country.

Dangote met President Évariste Ndayishimiye as part of a high-level economic engagement.

High-Level Economic Diplomacy

The meeting took place during a working visit by Nigerian investors led by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, signaling growing regional confidence in Burundi’s stability and reform agenda.

It marked a rare convergence of political leadership and African private capital.

MoU for Long-Term Strategic Cooperation

During the visit, Burundi and Dangote Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a long-term strategic partnership.

The cooperation targets mining, fertilisers, refinery projects, energy, road and railway infrastructure, housing, and industrial development.

“Africa Is Our Priority” — Dangote

Aliko Dangote said his visit had two objectives: a courtesy visit to the Head of State and an assessment of investment opportunities in Burundi.

“Our focus is investing heavily in Africa,” he said, adding that Burundi presents strong opportunities for mutually beneficial growth.

From Interest to Structure

Dangote confirmed the creation of joint technical teams, one Burundian and one from Dangote Group, to evaluate concrete projects and investment frameworks.

The approach aims at win-win partnerships, not extractive deals.

A Shift in Burundi’s Economic Image

The visit follows President Ndayishimiye’s invitation to African investors during the December 2024 economic roundtable, now translating into tangible engagement.

Hosting Africa’s richest man signals Burundi’s entry into a new economic conversation — one driven by production, infrastructure, and African capital.