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Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest man and President of the Dangote Group, has officially launched the construction of a USD 2.5 billion fertiliser plant in Gode, Ethiopia — a milestone project poised to redefine food security and industrial growth across the continent.
Developed in partnership with Ethiopian Investment Holdings, the state-of-the-art facility will have the capacity to produce three million metric tonnes of urea annually, making it one of the largest fertiliser complexes in the world. Strategically located in Ethiopia’s south-eastern region, the plant will utilise natural gas from the Hilal and Calub reserves to power production. Beyond boosting agricultural productivity, the project is expected to generate thousands of jobs and significantly bolster Ethiopia’s industrial base.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed hailed the initiative as a symbol of unity, cooperation, and peace. “This project represents our shared responsibility to harness opportunities, deepen cooperation, and promote peace. Let us unite in driving Ethiopia forward and enhancing its global presence,” he said.
Dangote commended Ethiopia’s bold economic reforms — particularly investments in infrastructure, energy, and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam — and highlighted the plant as a cornerstone in Africa’s journey toward industrialisation and food independence. “This partnership marks a critical step toward industrialising Africa and securing the continent’s food future. We are leveraging our experience in large-scale projects to help transform Ethiopia into a regional fertiliser powerhouse,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Dangote revealed plans to diversify production to include ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulphate, NPK, and calcium ammonium nitrate — laying the groundwork for Ethiopia to become the fertiliser hub of the Horn of Africa. “Within five years, Ethiopia could emerge as Africa’s leading agricultural nation,” he predicted.
This is Dangote’s second major investment in the country. His cement plant in Mugher has operated for over a decade with a current capacity of 2.5 million tonnes per year, and an additional USD 400 million is being invested to double its output.
Regional and financial leaders voiced strong support. Somali Region President Mustafa Omar called Dangote “the anchor investor Ethiopia has been waiting for,” while Nigerian Exchange Group Chairman Dr. Umaru Kwairanga praised Ethiopia’s visionary leadership and called for deeper Nigeria-Ethiopia ties. Dangote also thanked financial partners including Afreximbank, Africa Finance Corporation, Access Bank, First Bank, and Zenith Bank for backing the venture.
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With Africa’s population projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, fertiliser production is increasingly seen as a cornerstone of food security. By positioning Ethiopia as a regional production hub, the Dangote Group is not just investing in one nation’s future — it is sowing the seeds of a self-reliant, agriculturally driven Africa.
