Business School Deans, CEOs Laud Dangote Refinery as Catalyst for Africa’s Transformation

The Executive Dean of Strathmore Business School, Dr. Caesar Mwangi, has commended the Dangote Refinery as a powerful symbol of African potential, urging business leaders across the continent to embrace ambitious, transformative projects. Speaking during a high-profile visit by top CEOs and academics to the facility, Mwangi stated that only Africans can truly drive the continent’s development.

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“This is the world’s largest single-train refinery—a testament to what is possible when we dare to dream and act boldly. If the Dangote Group can accomplish this, then so can others across Africa,” Mwangi remarked. “Every CEO present should return home inspired to initiate projects that will uplift the continent and create opportunities for Africa’s youth.”

Similarly, the Dean of Lagos Business School, Professor Olayinka David-West, described the visit as aligned with the institution’s mission of nurturing leaders capable of tackling Africa’s complex socio-economic challenges. She praised Aliko Dangote as a visionary leader whose investments directly address critical developmental needs.

“This refinery is more than a petroleum facility—it is a catalyst for improved livelihoods and national progress,” David-West said. “It also operationalises frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with its impact poised to resonate across various sectors.”

Dr. Rabiu Olowo, Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria’s Financial Reporting Council, said the visit had reignited the imperative for bold and courageous thinking in driving sustainable development on the continent.

Among the visiting delegation were prominent figures such as Segun Aina, global banking leader; Nancy Njau, Managing Director of Family Bank, Nairobi; Emmanuel Wakili, Executive Director and CFO for Cameroon, CEMAC, and CESA Region at Ecobank; and Ibukun Oyedeji, former President of the CFA Society Nigeria.

The engagement reflects growing interest among Africa’s corporate leaders in leveraging large-scale industrial projects like the Dangote Refinery to stimulate economic growth and continental integration.