Caribbean Prime Ministers Visit Dangote Exhibition at IATF 2025

The 2025 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025) held in Algeria served as a prominent platform for showcasing African innovation and fostering stronger ties between Africa and the Caribbean. Among the distinguished attendees were Caribbean leaders including Prime Ministers Hon. Dr. Terrance M. Drew of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dickon Mitchell of Grenada, and Hon. Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados. Their presence, alongside key Nigerian officials, underscored the growing significance of intercontinental collaboration and the potential for mutual economic growth. The Dangote Industries exhibit, a central attraction at the fair, became a focal point for discussions surrounding industrial development and regional integration.

Dangote Industries’ diverse portfolio, encompassing cement, fertilizers, petrochemicals, sugar, salt, petroleum refining, and logistics, captured the attention of the visiting dignitaries. The company’s substantial investments in these sectors have played a pivotal role in driving industrialization across Africa, creating job opportunities, and strengthening economic integration within the continent. The showcase of polypropylene (PP), a versatile thermoplastic polymer produced by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, further exemplified the company’s commitment to innovation and its contribution to various industries globally. The material’s diverse applications, ranging from packaging and textiles to medical devices and automotive parts, highlighted its utility and market potential.

The Caribbean leaders expressed their admiration for Dangote Industries’ impactful investments and their contribution to Africa’s economic transformation. They recognized the potential for similar initiatives to stimulate growth and development within their own region. Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, reflecting on the experience, emphasized the value of Africa-Caribbean exchanges in fostering opportunities, strengthening partnerships, and celebrating shared potential. His sentiments echoed the broader theme of the IATF 2025, which aimed to facilitate trade and investment collaborations between African nations and the Caribbean.

Dangote Industries’ prominent role as a Premier Partner of IATF 2025 further solidified its position as a leader in driving economic progress in Africa. The company’s “Dangote Special Day” provided a dedicated platform to showcase its extensive operations across 18 subsidiaries and their integral role in the continent’s transformation. The event served as a testament to the company’s commitment to fostering intra-African trade and investment, aligning with the overarching goals of the trade fair.

The IATF 2025, organized by Afreximbank in collaboration with the African Union Commission and the AfCFTA Secretariat, served as a vital instrument in promoting intra-African trade and investment. The event brought together over 2,000 exhibitors and facilitated trade and investment deals projected to exceed US$44 billion. This impressive figure underscored the growing momentum of economic activity within Africa and the increasing interest in partnerships with the Caribbean. The IATF’s success highlighted the potential for continued growth and collaboration within the framework of a #GlobalAfrica vision.

The presence of Caribbean leaders at IATF 2025 signified a deepening relationship between Africa and the Caribbean, built on a foundation of shared interests and the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships. The event served as a catalyst for future collaborations, paving the way for increased trade, investment, and knowledge sharing between the two regions. The focus on innovation, industrial development, and economic integration underscored the commitment to building stronger economic ties and fostering sustainable growth across both continents. The Dangote Industries exhibit, a symbol of African ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit, served as a powerful example of the transformative potential of strategic investments and the importance of fostering cross-continental partnerships.