Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, has broken ground on a $2.5 billion fertiliser plant in Gode, Ethiopia. The project, a partnership between the Dangote Group and Ethiopian Investment Holdings, will produce three million metric tonnes of urea annually, making it one of the world’s largest fertiliser complexes. Strategically located in Ethiopia’s south‑east region, the plant will use the country’s abundant natural‑gas resources to boost agricultural productivity, create jobs and enhance food security across the Horn of Africa.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed attended the groundbreaking ceremony and described the project as a symbol of shared responsibility, cooperation and peace. He emphasized its significance in elevating Ethiopia’s presence on the global stage and promoting industrial progress. Dangote praised the prime minister and his cabinet for implementing reforms and economic liberalisation that have opened key sectors to private investment, positioning Ethiopia as an attractive destination for global investors.
The Dangote Group plans to expand the Gode complex to produce other fertilisers, such as ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulphate, NPK and calcium ammonium nitrate, turning Ethiopia into a regional hub for fertiliser production. Dangote predicted that within five years Ethiopia could become Africa’s leading agricultural nation. This investment follows the Group’s earlier major project in Ethiopia—its cement subsidiary’s operation in Mugher—and reflects its strategy that “only Africans can develop Africa,” with a focus on manufacturing to reduce dependence on imports. He noted that the Group’s investments have helped transform Nigeria into a net exporter of petroleum products, cement and fertiliser.
The Gode project marks a “new dawn” in private African investment, and Dangote affirmed his commitment to leading Africa’s industrial transformation. Financial support has come from institutions such as Afreximbank, the Africa Finance Corporation and indigenous banks. Mustafa Omar, President of the Somali Region, called Dangote “the anchor investor Ethiopia has been looking for,” while Dr Umaru Kwairanga, Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group, praised Ethiopia’s leadership for its economic strides and expressed optimism about stronger economic ties between Nigeria and Ethiopia.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by senior Ethiopian government officials, industry leaders and financiers. The project’s significance lies in its potential to enhance food security, create jobs and promote industrial progress in Ethiopia and the broader Horn of Africa. As it advances, it is expected to positively impact the regional economy and reinforce Dangote’s commitment to Africa’s industrial transformation.
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