Dangote Pushes Digital Overhaul of Nigeria’s Supply Chain, Urges Firms to Embrace Technology
Industrialist Aliko Dangote has called for a sweeping digital overhaul of Nigeria’s supply chain, insisting that businesses must embrace technology to remain competitive in an evolving market. Speaking at the DANGOTE Supply Chain Forum in Lagos, he stressed that modern systems and data-driven processes are now critical to improving efficiency, cutting costs and driving sustainable growth.
Dangote spoke on Friday at the DANGOTE Supply Chain Forum held in Lagos, where he urged businesses to embrace innovation and invest in digital tools that improve efficiency from production to delivery.
He said Nigeria must leverage technology in areas such as inventory management, logistics tracking, data analytics and automation, noting that digital systems help reduce waste, cut operational costs and enhance overall productivity.
“As we drive growth in our operations across Africa, it is important that our supply chains are robust, transparent and digitally enabled,” Dangote said. “Technology must be at the centre of how we move goods, manage stocks and ensure on-time delivery.”
The business leader acknowledged that many local firms still rely on outdated systems, a challenge he described as a barrier to growth. He urged stakeholders to prioritise digital skills training and develop platforms that link suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers more seamlessly.
Dangote also highlighted the importance of partnerships, both within the private sector and between government and industry, to support infrastructure development, internet accessibility and digital payment systems.
“None of us can thrive in isolation,” he said. “We must collaborate to build ecosystems that support innovation and strengthen the value chain.”
Participants at the forum included logistics managers, technology experts, government representatives and business leaders who shared insights on the challenges and opportunities facing Nigeria’s supply chain landscape.
Experts at the event emphasised the critical role of real-time data in decision-making, particularly for forecasting demand, tracking shipments and managing disruptions such as fuel shortages or border delays.
Dangote’s remarks come at a time when Nigeria is pushing for economic diversification and digital adoption across multiple sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing and retail.
Attendees described the forum as timely and urged both public and private stakeholders to act swiftly in integrating digital solutions into their operations.