President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has sealed a major automotive partnership with Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturer, BAIC FOTON, culminating in a vehicle order exceeding 1,000 units for operations across Nigeria.

In a statement on Monday, it was stated that the landmark agreement, facilitated by Kewalram Autos — the automotive arm of the Kewalram Chanrai Group — is expected to significantly strengthen Dangote Cement’s logistics and distribution network across Nigeria and the wider Sub-Saharan region.

The high-level meeting, held in Beijing, China, was organised by the Managing Director/Chief Operating Officer of Kewalram Mobility, Mr Anil Sahgal. It brought together a Dangote Group delegation led by Dangote and senior executives of BAIC FOTON, including the General Manager of BAIC Group and Chairman of BAIC FOTON, Chang Rui; Executive Vice President, Lu Zhenghua; and Vice President and President of BAIC FOTON International, Fu Jun.

During the meeting, Chang Rui commended the Dangote Group for its role in advancing industrialisation across Africa, while reaffirming BAIC FOTON’s commitment to deepening its footprint on the continent.

Fu Jun outlined the company’s global expansion strategy and advances in new energy commercial vehicle technology, stressing its customer-focused approach and drive to deliver high-quality, energy-efficient transport solutions worldwide.

Dangote, in his remarks, praised BAIC FOTON’s technological strength, particularly in the development of compressed natural gas-powered trucks, describing the partnership as aligned with Africa’s sustainable development goals and energy transition agenda.

Under the agreement, Dangote Group will acquire a broad portfolio of CNG-powered tractors and semi-trailers aimed at boosting the capacity and efficiency of its cement haulage operations.

The deployment of CNG vehicles is also expected to reduce fuel costs and carbon emissions, reinforcing the conglomerate’s commitment to cleaner energy solutions. Sahgal assured that Kewalram Autos would provide full lifecycle support, including after-sales service and the development of local assembly infrastructure, to guarantee seamless fleet operations.

Industry observers say the deal signals growing confidence in alternative fuel technology within Nigeria’s heavy-duty transport sector and underscores Dangote Group’s continued investment in logistics capacity to sustain its expanding industrial operations.