THE CCM Secretary General, Mr Wilson Mukama, on Sunday met and held talks with Africa's richest person and President of Dangote Group, Mr Aliko Dangote, in which they discussed on how to cement political ties between their political parties.

Mr Dangote, who is also a senior member of the Nigerian ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP), was in the country for a brief visit. Through Dangote Industries Limited, the tycoon is looking forward to setting up a cement manufacturing plant in Mtwara region.

Addressing reporters after a brief meeting held at the CCM sub-offices at Lumumba Street in Dar es Salaam, Mr Mukama said they had among other things discussed on how to strengthen ties between CCM and PDP. The two leaders also held talks on improving economies and business relations between the two countries towards strengthening their respective economies.

"Our party (CCM) has companies which are expected to invest and do business to enable the party stand on its feet. We have discussed on how CCM can improve its investments," Mr Mukama, a long-serving public servant turned politician, said.

The Nigerian tycoon was ranked 76th on the 2012 Forbes list of richest World's Billionaires. His stake in publicly traded Dangote Cement accounts for the vast majority of his fortune.

His business interests include food processing, cement manufacturing, and freight. The Dangote Group dominates the sugar market in Nigeria and it is the major sugar supplier to the country's soft drink companies, breweries, and confectioners.

Mr Dangote is a senior member and supporter of PDP and played a critical role in the election of former Nigeria President Olesegun Obasanjo and later took an active role in a privatization programme in his country.

At present Mr Dangote in on various government boards and also on the team of economic advisers to Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan. During the meeting at CCM offices, he was accompanied by Nigerian envoy Dr Ishaya Manyabu, his daughter-cum-adviser, Ms Halima Dangote and the Head of Dangote projects in Tanzania, Mr Dilip Musales. Before meeting Mr Mukama, the mogul also met with Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda.