Nigerian multi-billionaire investor Aliko Dangote  has expressed the desire of his group to further consolidate on his existing investments in Zambia and other African countries by  exploring opportunities in the energy and agriculture sectors.

Mr Dangote was speaking when he paid a courtesy call on President Edgar Lungu of Zambia to express his gratitude for the enabling environment that the country continues to offer investors at every level.

Already, the business mogul has a cement factory running in Zambia in which several hundreds of Zambians are employed.

Dangote urged the Zambian government to roll out policies that would encourage massive investments in the country and very competitive produce.

“I am here not only to explore investment opportunities and consolidate our existing business relations, but also to congratulate your excellency for your victory in the last general elections. I wish you many years of success as you guide your nation to greater heights and prosperity,” said Mr Dangote to President Lungu.

“During your tenure, you need to implement agricultural practices which will ensure that yields per hectare are high and competitive, this is because Zambia’s natural advantage in the export market is the readily available captive market that consists of eight neighbouring countries and other nations in the Great Lakes region,” he said.

Mr Dangote said energy is a critical requirement for economic development and so it is important that Zambia expands its energy supply footprint both for local consumption and export to regional markets.

“We are going to explore investment opportunities in the energy sector and perhaps look at the viability of existing petroleum refinery facilities,” pledged Mr Dangote.

President Lungu said his government was determined to put in place policies that would be investor friendly and guarantee conducive and enabling environment for businesses to thrive.