Aliko Dangote and Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed have broken ground on a $2.5bn fertiliser plant in Gode, Ethiopia — a game-changing project set to boost Africa’s industrialisation and food security
Dangote, Ethiopia PM Break Ground on $2.5bn Fertiliser Plant
Dangote Reaffirms Commitment to Africa’s Industrialisation, Announces Polypropylene Bagging Plant
Africa’s leading industrialist, Aliko Dangote, and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, have officially broken ground on a $2.5 billion fertiliser plant in Gode, Somali Region of Ethiopia — a landmark investment that signals a new era for Africa’s agricultural and industrial transformation.
The mega project, a joint venture between Dangote Group and Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), is designed to produce three million metric tonnes of urea annually, positioning Ethiopia as one of the world’s leading fertiliser producers.
Strategically located near the country’s Hilal and Calub natural gas reserves, the plant will harness Ethiopia’s abundant resources to enhance food security, create thousands of jobs, and boost regional trade across the Horn of Africa.
A Symbol of Cooperation and Progress
Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed hailed the project as “more than industrial progress,” describing it as a symbol of peace, shared responsibility, and cooperation among African nations.
“They embody our shared responsibility to harness opportunities, strengthen cooperation, and promote peace. Hence, I call upon all Ethiopians to continue mobilizing in unity for progress,” Abiy said.
“By doing so, we elevate Ethiopia’s presence on the global stage in a way that honors the true spirit of our Ethiopian identity.”
The Ethiopian leader added that the project reinforces his government’s economic reform agenda, designed to open strategic sectors to private investors while creating sustainable growth across energy, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Dangote: ‘A Pivotal Moment for Africa’s Industrial Future’
In his remarks, Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, praised the Ethiopian government’s economic liberalisation policies and commitment to infrastructure development — from transport networks to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam — which he said have “laid a strong foundation for industrialisation.”
“This partnership with Ethiopian Investment Holdings represents a pivotal moment in our shared vision to industrialise Africa and achieve food security across the continent,” Dangote declared.
“We are committed to bringing our decades of experience in large-scale industrial projects to ensure this venture becomes a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s industrial transformation.”
Dangote revealed that the Gode Fertiliser Plant is just the beginning, as his conglomerate plans to expand production into ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulphate, NPK, and calcium ammonium nitrate, making Ethiopia a regional hub for fertiliser and agro-industrial products.
He further hinted at plans to establish a polypropylene bagging plant to support the packaging industry and create a value chain that empowers local manufacturers.
“We understand Africa, its challenges, its opportunities, and its potential. And we believe only Africans can truly transform Africa,” Dangote emphasized.
“Our mission at Dangote Group is to lead Africa’s industrial transformation.”
‘Africa Can Develop Africa’ — Dangote
Dangote reiterated his philosophy that Africans must drive the continent’s industrialisation, highlighting how his company’s investments have already turned Nigeria from an import-dependent economy into a net exporter of cement, fertiliser, and petroleum products.
“We strive to make African countries become self-sufficient in producing goods where raw materials are locally available. We’ve demonstrated this in the cement sector, and we are ready to do the same in agriculture and energy,” he said.
He commended financial partners including Afreximbank, Africa Finance Corporation, Access Bank, First Bank, and Zenith Bank for their unwavering support of the project.
Ethiopia’s Anchor Investor
President of the Somali Region, Mustafa Omar, described Dangote as “the anchor investor Ethiopia has been looking for.”
“Aliko Dangote is not just an investor; he is a trusted partner appreciated by Ethiopians and Africans at large,” Omar said, noting that the project will create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and drive sustainable growth across the region.
The event was attended by top Ethiopian government officials, business leaders, financial institutions, and industry stakeholders — underscoring the project’s importance to Africa’s economic integration agenda.
Dangote Group’s Growing African Footprint
With operations in over 11 African countries, Dangote Cement boasts an installed capacity of 55 million tonnes per annum, while the Dangote Refinery — the world’s largest single-train refinery — produces 650,000 barrels per day.
The company’s fertiliser business, initially producing three million metric tonnes, is now being expanded to nine million tonnes per annum, making it the largest fertiliser operation in the world. Read More
