President and Chief Executive of the dangote, Aliko Dangote, has said the planned listing of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals on the Nigerian Exchange is intended to broaden wealth creation opportunities and allow Africans participate directly in the continent’s industrial growth.

Mr Dangote stated this during a visit by officials of South Africa’s Government Employees Pension Fund, Public Investment Corporation, and Alterra Capital Partners to the Dangote refinery and fertiliser plants in Lagos.

The South African delegation included GEPF Chairperson Frans Baleni, Principal Executive Officer Musa Mabesa, PIC Chief Executive Officer Patrick Dlamini, Deputy Chairperson Mongwena Maluleke, Alterra Capital Partners Managing Partner Genevieve Sangudi.

Speaking during the visit, Mr Dangote said Africa’s future economic growth would depend on large-scale industrial projects capable of creating jobs, strengthening domestic production and generating widespread prosperity.

According to him, the refinery listing is designed to open investment opportunities in Africa’s industrial future to a broader range of investors across the continent.

He explained that the refinery project demonstrates the vast opportunities within Africa’s energy sector, noting that many African countries still depend heavily on imported refined petroleum products despite rising industrial demand.

Mr Dangote added that the company’s long-term investment strategy is focused on meeting Africa’s growing energy needs and increasing refining capacity across the continent.

He said demand for products including aviation fuel, polypropylene, and refined petroleum products has exceeded earlier expectations, strengthening the refinery’s commercial outlook and influencing future expansion plans.

The billionaire businessman noted that market demand remains extremely high despite current production levels.

The visit comes amid increasing investor interest in African-led industrialisation and infrastructure development projects.

Speaking after touring the facilities in Ibeju-Lekki, GEPF Chairperson Frans Baleni described the refinery as proof that Africa can successfully deliver world-class infrastructure projects through visionary leadership, technical expertise, and long-term investment.

Mr Baleni said the project challenges long-standing perceptions about Africa’s industrial capabilities and demonstrates that large-scale industrialisation is achievable on the continent.

Also speaking, PIC Chief Executive Officer Patrick Dlamini described the refinery as one of the most transformative industrial projects in Africa.

Quoting former South African president Nelson Mandela, Mr Dlamini said the project was redefining perceptions about Africa’s economic potential and industrial capacity.

He added that PIC, which manages about $230 billion in assets, is seeking long-term partnerships focused on infrastructure development, industrialisation, and economic transformation across Africa.

According to him, industrialisation and large-scale job creation remain essential to addressing poverty, unemployment, and economic exclusion across the continent.