Nigerian billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote has urged African countries to protect their domestic industries, arguing that the continent risks losing jobs and deepening poverty if it continues to rely heavily on imports.
Dangote made the call on Wednesday at the Financial Times Africa Summit in London, where he questioned why African nations should not adopt protectionist policies when major economies such as the United States seek to shield their industries.
“If America is now saying, 'No, we are going to protect our industries’ – who are we in Africa not to protect our own industry?" he said.
He warned that the continent was losing employment opportunities by depending on imported goods instead of strengthening local production.
“We are exporting our jobs out of the continent and importing poverty into the continent,” he added.
Dangote’s comments come as his business interests expand across Africa. His refinery on the outskirts of Lagos began commercial operations in 2024, while his cement business has previously benefited from protective measures introduced in Nigeria.
The businessman also criticised expectations surrounding the global energy transition, saying the current diesel supply crunch showed that those who believed in the transition had misjudged the situation.
His remarks reinforce his long-standing argument that African governments should support local manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign products.
However, the push for protectionism raises questions about how individual countries can shield their industries while pursuing greater regional trade integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area.
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