The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has officially commenced the construction of a $2.5 billion fertiliser plant in Gode, Ethiopia.
According to a statement released by the company on Sunday, the facility — a joint venture between Dangote Group and Ethiopian Investment Holdings — will have an annual production capacity of three million metric tonnes of urea, positioning it among the largest fertiliser complexes in the world.
Located in Ethiopia’s south-eastern region, the project will utilise the country’s rich natural gas reserves from the Hilal and Calub fields. It aims to bolster agricultural productivity, create thousands of jobs, and strengthen food security across the Horn of Africa.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the project as a milestone that represents more than industrial development, emphasizing its symbolism of shared progress, cooperation, and peace.
“These projects embody our collective responsibility to harness opportunities, strengthen cooperation, and promote peace,” Abiy said. “By working together, we elevate Ethiopia’s presence on the global stage in a way that honours our national identity.”
In his remarks, Aliko Dangote commended the Ethiopian government for its economic reforms and liberalisation efforts, which have created an attractive environment for global investors. He also lauded the country’s investments in infrastructure, such as energy, transportation, and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, calling them the foundation of Ethiopia’s industrialisation.
“This partnership with Ethiopian Investment Holdings marks a defining step in our shared goal to industrialise Africa and achieve food security across the continent,” Dangote said. “We are committed to using our decades of industrial expertise to make this venture a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s transformation.”
Dangote revealed that the Gode facility is only the beginning of the group’s fertiliser ambitions in Ethiopia. Future plans include expanding into the production of ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulphate, NPK, and calcium ammonium nitrate, ultimately turning Ethiopia into a regional hub for fertiliser manufacturing.
He predicted that within five years, Ethiopia could become Africa’s leading agricultural nation, powered by sustainable local production.
Read Also: Princess Akawor Receives Prestigious International Leadership Award at UK Parliament
The new fertiliser plant is Dangote Group’s second major investment in Ethiopia, following its 2.5 million tonnes per annum cement plant in Mugher, which has been operational for over a decade. The company has also pledged an additional $400 million to double the cement plant’s capacity.
Dangote reiterated the group’s belief that “only Africans can truly transform Africa,” highlighting how its investments in Nigeria — including the Dangote Refinery, fertiliser plants, and cement operations — have turned the country from an import-dependent economy into a net exporter of cement, fertiliser, and petroleum products.
“The Gode project marks a new dawn,” he said. “This is the first time a private African investor is partnering with an African government to build an industrial complex of this scale. We understand the continent — its challenges, opportunities, and potential — and we’re committed to unlocking them.”
The billionaire also hinted at plans to establish a polypropylene bagging plant to support Ethiopia’s industrial value chain.
He expressed gratitude to financial institutions such as Afreximbank, Africa Finance Corporation, Access Bank, First Bank, and Zenith Bank for their support in financing the project.
Meanwhile, Mustafa Omar, President of Ethiopia’s Somali Region, described Dangote as “the anchor investor Ethiopia has been waiting for,” adding that the business magnate is highly respected across Africa for his commitment to the continent’s growth.
Similarly, Dr Umaru Kwairanga, Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group, commended Ethiopia’s leadership for its bold economic strides and expressed optimism that the project would strengthen economic ties between Nigeria and Ethiopia.
Image Credit: National Economy Newspaper
