Conakry, Guinea – (African Boulevard News) – Fadi Wazni, a French-Guinean businessman, is urging France to provide its sovereign guarantee for his alumina refinery project in Guinea. This would pave the way for additional funding from international investors and lenders.
According to sources at the French finance ministry’s treasury department, Wazni’s request has been reviewed, but no final decision has been made yet. The project, which is estimated to cost $4.5 billion, is expected to create thousands of jobs and boost Guinea’s economic growth.
Wazni’s alumina refinery project would be built near the bauxite rich region of Boke in Guinea and would produce 1.4 million tonnes of alumina per year. The alumina produced would then be shipped to France for transformation into aluminum. This project aligns with Guinea’s vision of becoming a top global producer of bauxite, an essential ingredient for making aluminum.
Wazni’s request for France’s guarantee follows the recent suspension of construction on another alumina refinery project in Guinea. The $1 billion project, led by United Arab Emirates-based firm Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), was halted by the Guinean government due to environmental concerns.
With Wazni’s project, France has the opportunity to solidify its economic and political ties with Guinea. It could also serve as a model for other foreign investments in the country.
According to Wazni, “This project can help create thousands of jobs in Guinea and bolster the country’s economic growth. It will also help boost France’s economic interests in Africa through the transformation of Guinea’s bauxite into aluminum.”
While the project has received support from Guinean authorities, some civil society groups have raised concerns about potential environmental impacts. However, Wazni has reassured stakeholders that the project will incorporate eco-friendly practices and technologies.
In conclusion, Wazni’s request for France’s sovereign guarantee for his alumina refinery project in Guinea holds enormous economic potential for both countries. The project can help further Guinea’s vision of becoming a top bauxite producer, create thousands of jobs, and boost France’s economic interests in Africa. It remains to be seen if France will provide the requested guarantee and what impact it will have on the project’s progress.
Keywords: Fadi Wazni, alumina refinery project, Guinea, France, sovereign guarantee, international investors, economic growth, bauxite, aluminum, United Arab Emirates, Emirates Global Aluminium, Guinean government, environmental concerns, civil society groups, eco-friendly practices.
