Zimbabwe welcomes Dangote investment pledge

Captains of industry say the commitment by Nigerian businessmen, Aliko Dangote to invest billions of dollars in a cement plant, coal mining and power generation is an acid test for government to get it right on handling such huge investment inflows.

Africa's richest man touched down Harare on Monday and met President Robert Mugabe at State House where pledged to invest in Zimbabwe

Dangote, whose investments across the continent run into billions of dollars, wants to invest in coal mining, power generation and a cement plant.

Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) CEO, Mr Christopher Mugaga feels the ball is in government's court to make this a reality.

"Government has to act quickly to accommodate such huge investments. The good thing is that the investor has met the President which blocks all forms of corruption which have hindered investments in the past," he said.

For an industrialist, Mr Larry Mavima, it should not be business as usual among government departments as the Dangote investment will prove whether the country is ready to handle mega deals.

"It is make or break for the government in ensuring they make the investments dangled by the African billionaire turn into reality. It's not business as usual for everyone who has a part to play in ensuring the investments are made," said Mr Mavima.

The 10 point plan for economic growth recently unveiled by the President in his state of the nation address encourages private sector investment.

Already, the good news is that Kamativi tin mine will be re-opening after a Chinenese investor poured in US$102 million.