Lagos, – In a powerful endorsement of intra-African business collaboration, prominent South African businessman Robert Gumede has praised Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote’s oil refinery as a shining example of how Africans can support one another and stand on their own feet.
Speaking to veteran journalist Sophie Mokoena, Gumede described the Dangote Refinery – the largest in the world – as a critical lifeline for the African continent.
“Can you imagine without Dangote having built the biggest refinery in the world, Africa today will be sitting ducks like we did during COVID-19 epidemic without vaccination,” he said. “African countries have stepped up and embraced Dangote fuel. This is now demonstrating that with Africa supporting itself, African businessmen supporting each other, African countries supporting African businessmen… we can be able to stand on our own.”
Self Reliance is the only way forward
Gumede, who was speaking at an Africa-focused event, revealed that Dangote is set to list his oil and gas business, including the refinery, on the stock exchanges across the continent. He said the move would open doors for ordinary Africans across the continent to invest directly and earn dividends in dollars.
“Every African in any country will be able to invest in that stock and know that we are going to get dividends in dollars,” he added. “This is an African product produced by an African for Africa. And this is what we need to be doing.”
The comments come at a time when Dangote’s 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery in Lagos is already transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape by reducing reliance on imported petroleum products and supplying fuel to several African nations.
Industry watchers say Gumede’s remarks underscore growing confidence among African business leaders in home-grown solutions. The refinery has been credited with easing fuel shortages in parts of West and Central Africa while boosting Nigeria’s push for energy self-sufficiency.
African Economic Unity
Mokoena, a former International News Editor at SABC News, posted the interview with the caption: “Prominent SA Businessman Robert Gumede on Ali Dangote oil refinery business in Africa.
The interview has since sparked positive reactions across the continent, with many users describing it as a refreshing call for stronger economic ties between African nations.
Nigeria’s business community has welcomed the endorsement. Economic analysts say such cross-border praise highlights the refinery’s role not just as a Nigerian project, but as a continental asset that could inspire more intra-African investments.
As Dangote’s refinery continues to ramp up operations, observers believe statements like Gumede’s will further encourage African entrepreneurs to back home-grown giants rather than looking outside the continent for solutions.
