—- ‘you think small, you don’t grow, you think big, you grow’
—- LBS hails Dangote as a visionary leader solving Africa’s problems
President/ Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has urged African entrepreneurs, business leaders to invest in the development of the Continent.
Speaking while he hosted participants of the Global CEO Africa Programme from Lagos Business School, Nairobi, after a tour of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals in Ibeju – Lekki, Lagos, Dangote emphasised that with the right investments, Africa has the potential to grow and compete globally.
He asserted that what the Continent needs are bold and transformative projects capable of addressing its long – standing challenges. The business magnate cited to Construction of the world’s largest single – train refinery – Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a proof that nothing is impossible, he maintained that similar achievements can be replicated across sectors to drive economic growth.
Dangote who reflected on the initial scepticism which surrounded the refinery project, said: “There will always be challenges as life itself is full of exciting challenges and that you can overcome and not overwhelm when those challenges arised.
He explained that completion of the refinery has emboldened the group to pursue more ambitious goals with the aim of making our fertilizer company the largest in the world with a 40 months timeline to achieve the feat.
“We as African, must stop taking our money abroad and invest here to build our Countries and Continent. Dangote disclosed that “As for me, I don’t take my money out of Africa. As Africans if don’t show confidence and leadership qualities, the foreign Investors would certainly not, because we know our leaders better than anyone else. He advised that the money being taken out of the continent abroad, should have been left here to benefit everyone.
Dangote argued that while many African nations have achieved Political Independence, others remain economically dependent and cited countries like Dubai and Singapore that were on par with some African countries in the 1970s have surged ahead through deliberate policies and partnerships with visionary entrepreneurs.
African richest man expressed much concern about the disparity between Africa’s rapidly growing population and the limited job opportunities available and called for a strong banking sector to make the agricultural sector which is the cornerstones of the Continent to thrive.
He also stressed the importance of improving Interconnectivity among African nations and revealed that it is currently more cheaper importing goods from Spain that to transport Cement clinker from Nigeria to neighbouring Ghana and acknowledged Policy Inconsistent and Infrastructure challenges and urged the visiting CEOs not to be dettered but to remain ambitious while they acknowledge deep knowledge of their respective Industries.
To the 24 CEOs from six African Countries in attendance Dangote said “If you think small, You don’t grow. If you think big, you grow. Its better to try and fall than not try at all.
Academic Director of Global CEO Africa Programme at Lagos Business School, Patrick Akinwuntan who explained that the objective of Initiative is designed to inspire Africa’s future business leaders in partnership with Strathmore Business School, Nairobi, comprises of three modules which required participants to spend a week each in Nairobi ( Kenya ), Lagos ( Nigeria ) and New Haven ( USA ).
The goal is to nurture business leaders who see Africa’s single market one without borders focused on the continent vast potential. The refinery is a powerful symbol that vision goes beyond mere sight, he said. Akinwuntan who was also former Managing Director of ECObank Nigeria praised Dangote for his Integrity, Competence and boldness in bringing such monumental project to fruition.
Executive Dean of Strathmore Business School, Dr. Ceaser Mwangi echoed these sentiments. He said the visit would inspire CEOs to realise that only Africans can develop the continent.
This refinery being the world’s largest single – train its a proof that we must dream big – think big, and most importantly act. Meaning that if Dangote Group can achieve this, then others across the Continent can also. Mwangi said. “Every CEO, here can take this inspiration back home and initiate impactful projects that will uplift our continent and create opportunities for the millions of young Africans who needed them,” he added.
Dean of Lagos Business School, Professor Olayinka David – West, stated that the visit aligned with the School’s mission of grooming leaders capable of addressing African’s complex social and institutional challenges
She lauded Dangote as a visionary leader who mobilised resources to confront the continent critical problems. She noted the refinery’s ripple effect extends beyond petroleum production enhancing livelihood and national wellbeing.
This facility is pivotal, it serves as a practical tool to implement from works like African Continental Free Trade Area ( AFCFTA ). While its effects Will be felt across multiple sectors,” she explained.
Dr. Rabiu Olowo, CEO of Nigeria’s Financial Reporting Council and a participant in the programme said the visit had reignited the need courageous thinking in pursuing sustainable national development.
The visiting CEOs also included global banking leaders, Segun Aina; Managing Director of Family Bank, Nairobi, Nanay Njau; Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer for Cameroon. CEMAC and CESA Region at ECObank Emmanuel Wakili; and former President of the CFA Society Nigeria, Inulin Oyedeji, among others.
