Dangote laments visa challenges for African travel
Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has lamented the obstacles he faces as an investor due to visa requirements across the continent.
Dangote, who holds a Nigerian passport, stated that he needs 35 different visas to travel within Africa, which he described as a significant challenge.
The 67-year-old business mogul highlighted this issue while speaking at the Africa CEO Forum Annual Summit in Kigali, Rwanda.
He noted the time-consuming process of obtaining visas, as he lacks the time to visit embassies and drop off his passport.
Dangote compared his situation to that of his counterparts in Europe, specifically pointing out that Patrick Pouyanne, Chairman of Total Energies, does not need 35 visas to travel within Africa on his French passport.
“I complained to President Kagame that as an investor, I have to apply for 35 different visas on my passport,” Dangote said. “I don’t have the time to drop my passports at embassies for visas. The most frustrating part is that if everyone were treated the same, it would be understandable.”
Dangote emphasized the disparity in travel freedom, stating, “You don’t need 35 visas on your French passport, which means you have freer movement than myself in Africa.”
Discussing the broader business environment in Africa, Dangote stressed the importance of regional market integration. “Our main job is to ensure regional markets function. Once they do, we can focus on the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). But for AfCFTA to work, we need to make sure it is effective.”
He highlighted the need for African-led development, stating, “We cannot rely on foreigners to develop Africa. It must be done by Africans, who must take risks and lead the way.”
During the event, Dangote also announced a significant development for Nigeria’s fuel market. He revealed that Nigeria would cease importing fuel by June as his refinery begins production.
“Nigeria has no reason to import anything except gasoline. By June, Nigeria shouldn’t import a single drop of gasoline,” he said.
He added that this development would address the fuel supply shortfall in Nigeria and other West African countries. “We will have enough gasoline for West Africa and enough diesel for West and Central Africa,” Dangote concluded.
