Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has sealed a landmark agreement with the Ethiopian government to construct a $2.5 billion fertiliser facility in the southeastern town of Gode. The deal, signed on August 28, 2025, positions Ethiopia as a future hub for fertiliser production and export while strengthening Africa’s path toward industrialization and food security.
Under the terms of the partnership, Dangote Group will hold a 60% stake, while Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH) will retain 40%, ensuring strong local ownership. The plant is designed to produce 3 million metric tons of urea fertiliser annually, making it one of the largest single-site fertiliser facilities in the world.
The project will be powered by natural gas from Ethiopia’s Hilal and Calub fields, with pipelines being built to ensure a steady supply to the factory. Construction is expected to take 40 months, after which the facility will begin production, providing a significant boost to both Ethiopia’s economy and Africa’s agricultural sector.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the project as a major step toward achieving food sovereignty and reducing Ethiopia’s reliance on imported fertiliser. Finance Minister Ahmed Shide hailed the deal as the beginning of a “new economic renaissance,” highlighting its potential to create thousands of jobs and support industrial growth.
Aliko Dangote emphasized that the venture goes beyond Ethiopia, aligning with his broader vision to industrialize Africa and strengthen regional food security. The plant is expected to not only meet Ethiopia’s local needs but also supply neighbouring countries, creating a ripple effect in boosting productivity and trade across the continent.
This ambitious partnership underscores Africa’s determination to move from being a consumer of imported goods to a producer of world-class industrial output—an important milestone in the continent’s economic transformation.