A new strategic cooperation agreement between the Dangote Group and China’s XCMG Construction Machinery Co. Ltd is set to strengthen infrastructure delivery, industrial capacity and sustainable project development across Africa.

The agreement, disclosed in a press statement issued by the Dangote Group and seen by Nairametrics, outlines plans for collaboration across multiple sectors, including mining, petrochemicals, building materials, agriculture and infrastructure construction. Both companies aim to leverage their respective strengths to drive joint growth and long-term value creation on the continent.

Under the partnership, XCMG is expected to support Dangote Group through its established African sales and service network. The Chinese equipment manufacturer will also facilitate visits by Dangote personnel to China and provide logistical assistance to support project execution.

According to the statement, XCMG will deploy dedicated project teams to develop integrated equipment and service solutions for Dangote projects, with particular focus on open-pit mining, petrochemicals, building materials and agricultural processing.

The Dangote Group noted that sustainability and innovation form a core part of the agreement. XCMG will contribute its expertise in complete equipment solutions, new energy technologies and intelligent systems to support Dangote’s key projects. Both companies also plan to jointly develop electric equipment, promote environmentally friendly project standards, reduce carbon emissions and lower operational costs.

“The agreement sets out a framework for closer cooperation based on mutual trust and shared development goals. Subject to applicable laws and policies, both parties will grant each other preferential consideration in projects arising from the partnership,” the statement said.

The deal aligns with Dangote Group’s broader strategy to deepen Africa’s industrial base through global partnerships, while supporting XCMG’s ambition to expand its footprint and service offerings across the continent.

In recent years, the Dangote Group has entered into several international partnerships to expand its business reach. In August 2025, Dangote Industries signed a memorandum of understanding with Japan’s Mitsui Chemicals for joint petrochemical production in Nigeria. The arrangement involves technology transfer for resins and fertilisers, using feedstock from Dangote’s 650,000 barrels-per-day Lagos refinery.

Aliko Dangote, President/CE, Dangote Group (3rd left); Mr. Yang Dongsheng, Chairman of Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group (2nd right); Mr Hanson Liu, the Vice President of XCMG (right) Dr Hassan Mahmud, Group Chief Economist, Dangote Group (2nd left) and Mathur Raghav - Director in charge of Project, Dangote Group (left).
That same month, Dangote Group also signed a shareholders’ agreement with Ethiopian Investment Holdings to develop a $2.5 billion urea fertiliser production complex in Ethiopia, with Dangote holding a 60 per cent stake and EIH owning 40 per cent. Additionally, the group has secured a multi-billion-dollar investment agreement with the Zimbabwean government spanning cement production, mining, power generation, petroleum pipelines and fertiliser manufacturing.

Dangote Group is one of Africa’s largest diversified industrial conglomerates, with operations across cement, petrochemicals, fertiliser, agriculture, food processing, mining, ports and logistics in Nigeria and other African countries. The group is currently accelerating expansion efforts as part of its ambition to reach $100 billion in scale by 2030.

XCMG, a founding enterprise of China’s construction machinery industry, operates globally across construction and mining equipment, agricultural machinery, emergency rescue systems and commercial vehicles. The company has about 300 overseas dealers, 11 international manufacturing bases and KD plants, with products sold in more than 190 countries and regions, while increasingly focusing on intelligent and green manufacturing solutions.