The President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has signed a major automotive partnership with Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturer BAIC FOTON, placing an order for over 1,000 vehicles to support operations across Nigeria.
The agreement, facilitated by Kewalram Autos, the automotive arm of the Kewalram Chanrai Group, is expected to enhance Dangote Cement’s logistics and distribution network within Nigeria and across Sub-Saharan Africa.
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The high-level meeting, held in Beijing, China, brought together a Dangote delegation led by Dangote and senior BAIC FOTON executives, including Chairman Chang Rui, Executive Vice President Lu Zhenghua, and Vice President Fu Jun.
Chang Rui praised Dangote Group’s role in promoting industrialisation in Africa and reiterated BAIC FOTON’s commitment to expanding its presence on the continent.
Fu Jun highlighted the company’s advances in new energy commercial vehicle technology and its focus on delivering energy-efficient, customer-oriented transport solutions globally.
Dangote commended BAIC FOTON’s technological expertise, especially in compressed natural gas (CNG) powered trucks, noting that the partnership aligns with Africa’s sustainable development goals and energy transition agenda.
Under the deal, Dangote Group will acquire a range of CNG-powered tractors and semi-trailers to boost the efficiency and capacity of its cement haulage operations.
The use of CNG vehicles is expected to lower fuel costs and reduce carbon emissions, supporting Dangote’s commitment to cleaner energy solutions.
Kewalram Autos will provide full lifecycle support, including after-sales service and local assembly infrastructure, ensuring smooth fleet operations.
Industry experts view the agreement as a sign of growing confidence in alternative fuel technology within Nigeria’s heavy-duty transport sector and a continuation of Dangote Group’s strategic investments to expand logistics and industrial capacity.
