Cameroon Confers Highest Civilian Honour On Africa's Richest Man, Aliko Dangote

Paul Biya and Aliko Dangote

Paul Biya, the President of Cameroon, has conferred the highest civilian honour in the country on the President/Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote

Dangote received the Commander of the National Order of Valour honour in recognition of his efforts in infrastructural development of Cameroon and Africa through his cement plants, according to the President, Vanguard reports.

The President expressed pride at Dangote’s various efforts to promote industrialisation across Africa through the building of cement plants in several African countries at a conferment ceremony held at the Unity Palace.

He urged the leading African investor to consider more investments in the manufacturing sector in Cameroon, explaining that there are numerous business opportunities in the country. Noting that the plants have provided thousands of direct and indirect employment at their various locations, to boost the economies of their host countries, just like in Cameroon.

"My government is focused on promoting a business-friendly environment to make the country more attractive and an investors’ destination." He added

Meanwhile, Dangote appreciated President Biya and the people of Cameroon for the great honour done to him in the award of the nation’s highest civilian honour, stressing that there are plans to diversify the group’s investments in Cameroon, starting with energy.

He said, “We have plans to expand our investment to other sectors beginning with oil and gas while our capacity in cement will be expanded.”

While expressing appreciation for the support provided by the President in solving the challenges encountered in the construction of the plant. He commended the Cameroonian government for providing an enabling environment, which aided the successful completion of the Dangote Cement plant.

“At the inception of our construction activities at the plant, we encountered several challenges, but the government stepped in and ensured that we overcame these initial problems.

“Also, the incentives by the government to investors are encouraging. We feel very much at home here in Cameroon because of the business-friendly environment. If demand for cement increases, we will increase the capacity of the plant and make the country self-sufficient in cement production.”