Dangote ups Ethiopia fertiliser project to $4bn after hero’s welcome visit

Africa’s richest man and President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, received a warm reception in Gode, Ethiopia, during a visit linked to his company’s fertiliser project in the country.

Dangote was hosted by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and both leaders inspected the construction site of the proposed fertiliser facility on Sunday.

The project stems from a shareholders’ agreement signed in August last year between Ethiopia and Dangote Group for a urea plant with an annual production capacity of three million metric tonnes. Construction officially began in October 2025.

The joint venture is structured with Dangote Group holding a 60 per cent stake, while Ethiopian Investment Holdings holds 40 per cent.

During the visit, Dangote announced an upward review of the total investment from $2.5 billion to more than $4 billion, citing an expanded project scope.

According to a statement from the Dangote Group, the upgraded plan includes a 110km pipeline, a 120MW power plant, a polypropylene packaging facility, and a two-million-tonne NPK blending plant.

Prime Minister Abiy described the project as a key pillar of Ethiopia’s development strategy, stressing its importance to agriculture, food security, and industrial growth.

He said the fertiliser plant would boost local production, reduce import dependence, create jobs, and support millions of farmers once completed.

Abiy also expressed satisfaction with the pace of work after touring the site alongside Dangote, noting steady progress across multiple sections of the project.

He said the collaboration reflects strong commitment and coordination between both parties in delivering a major national industrial initiative.

The Dangote Group reiterated that the project aligns with its broader goal of driving industrial development and economic transformation across Africa.