Dangote Plans to Expand Energy Business Across Africa

Nigeria's Dangote Group is looking to build on the success of its refinery to establish a broader energy business across Africa. The group is preparing to open its flagship refinery to public investors in what could become the largest initial public offering (IPO) in Africa's history. At the same time, it is exploring new refineries, storage terminals and fuel pipelines in several African markets.

The expansion comes with significant challenges, including raising capital, managing currency risks, navigating differing regulations across countries, and connecting energy infrastructure across borders. David Bird, CEO and Managing Director of Dangote Refinery, discussed the planned IPO and the company's broader ambitions in an interview, addressing how ordinary investors can participate fairly amid inflation and currency pressures, when Nigerians might see tangible benefits through more reliable fuel supplies and potential price stability, and how Dangote intends to balance domestic energy needs with its ambitions to export across the continent.

Solar Power in South Sudan and Nigeria's Creative Economy

In South Sudan, where less than 10 percent of the population is connected to a formal power grid, frequent blackouts place significant pressure on small businesses. A growing number of entrepreneurs are turning to solar power systems, which allow businesses to keep operating during outages, reduce dependence on costly generators, and provide a more predictable source of electricity.

Meanwhile, Nigeria is working to convert its global cultural influence — spanning Afrobeats, Nollywood, fashion and digital content — into a sustainable economic sector. To expand its creative economy by 2030, young entrepreneurs will need access to finance, technology, skills, intellectual-property protection and international markets.