Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote, has stunned Ethiopia with a fresh $4 billion fertiliser investment, marking a significant expansion of his industrial footprint on the continent. The Nigerian billionaire, accompanied by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, visited the construction site of the Dangote fertiliser plant in Gode, where he received a hero's welcome.
Investment Increased to Over $4 Billion
Dangote announced that the total investment in the project has been increased from the earlier announced $2.5 billion to more than $4 billion. This expanded scope includes a 110-kilometre pipeline, a 120-megawatt power plant, a polypropylene packaging facility, and a two-million-tonne NPK blending plant. The fertiliser plant is expected to produce three million metric tonnes of urea annually once completed.
Strategic Partnership with Ethiopia
In August 2025, Ethiopia signed a shareholders' agreement with Dangote Group for the development of the urea fertiliser plant. Under the agreement, Dangote Group holds a 60 per cent stake in the joint venture, while Ethiopian Investment Holdings owns the remaining 40 per cent. Construction of the plant officially began in October 2025.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's Remarks
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the investment as critical to the country's long-term economic plans. “This initiative represents far more than infrastructure. It is a strategic investment in Ethiopia's agricultural transformation, food security, industrial growth, and economic self-reliance,” Abiy said. He added that the fertiliser plant would deliver major benefits to the country once completed, including strengthening local production capacity, reducing dependence on imports, supporting millions of farmers, and creating new opportunities for jobs and investment.
Speaking after inspecting the site alongside Dangote, the Ethiopian leader expressed satisfaction with the pace of work already achieved. “This morning, together with Aliko Dangote, I visited the project site in Gode to assess the progress achieved so far. I am encouraged by the steady momentum across the project area. Construction activities are advancing as planned across multiple sections of the site, reflecting the strong commitment and collaboration driving this important national project forward,” he stated.
Impact on Ethiopia's Agriculture
The fertiliser project is expected to strengthen Ethiopia's agriculture sector and reduce the country's dependence on imported fertiliser. Ethiopia remains one of Africa's largest agricultural economies, with millions relying on farming for livelihoods. The plant's three-million-tonne annual capacity will make it one of Africa's largest urea production facilities.
Dangote Group also noted that the investment highlights the company's growing footprint across Africa and its continued push for industrial development on the continent. The Ethiopian fertiliser project adds to Dangote Group's expanding operations outside Nigeria, especially in sectors such as cement, fertiliser, petrochemicals, and agriculture.
